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The story of logging in Oregon
is one of the people who settled the West, their relationship with
the natural resources they found here, and the capacity of the land
we know as Oregon today. Its a story that highlights change initiated
with European settlement of the area, the enthusiasm of invention and
innovation, a vast palate of awe-inspiring resources, courage and
optimism of heart and spirit, and lives carved out of the land. Yet
it's also a story of displacement of native peoples, reduction and
elimination of native plants and animals, and nonsustainable harvest
of natural resources. It's a story thats been told many times, grand
and grievous. Logging is a story about a resource that has changed
as we used it. It is also a story about how logging has changed Oregon.
Oregonians
are known for their connection with the land. Post-European
settlement Oregon has been defined largely by our relationship with
the regions abundant natural resources, which have provided the base
of the states economy. Yet increasingly Oregon is being defined by
its urban populations, and employment in the resource-based industries
that have supported Oregonian's since statehood is giving way to
service, manufacturing, and professional positions. Oregonians of all
agesboth those whove lived here for generations and those newly
arrivedare acknowledging that changes have occurred in the resource
base, and are accepting that Oregon has been altered hugely by the use
of that resource.
Our task now
is to consider how we use and manage our natural resources
in the next century. Our decisions will affect Oregon economically,
culturally and environmentally. This is our challenge, and our
opportunity, and will inform the legacy we leave to future generations.
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