UPDATED: More Arrests Expected at Logging Protest Site Near Reedsport
ELLIOTT STATE FOREST, Ore. -- Approximately 50 Oregon State Police troopers and Douglas County
deputies arrived Wednesday morning, July 8, 2009 at about 10:00 a.m. at
the site of an illegal logging protest on the Elliott State Forest on
the Umpcoos Ridge No. 2 Timber Sale in Douglas County. The arrival of
law enforcement officers followed Tuesday night's delivery of a letter
from the Department of State Lands advising protestors that their
activities were in violation of state law including, but not limited
to, Interference with Agricultural Operations under ORS 164.887.
Protestors were given the night to voluntarily leave the area.
When police arrived Wednesday morning protestors were provided another
opportunity to voluntarily leave or they would be subject to arrest.
Approximately 20 - 25 individuals voluntarily left and another 20 - 25
individuals remained on scene.
As of 8:30 p.m., of those who remained behind, 23 have been arrested
and will be lodged in the Douglas County Jail. Additional arrests are
anticipated Thursday.
Law enforcement officials on scene, working in cooperation with the
Department of Forestry which manages the land under an agreement with
Department of State Lands, will continue to proceed with additional
arrests while keeping the safety of any remaining protestors and law
enforcement officers a high priority. There has been no resistance
from the passive protestors and no injuries reported.
No more information to be released at this time related to law enforcement activities.
Questions regarding the timber sale and Elliott State Forest should be
directed to Department of Forestry at (503) 945-7420 or Department of
State Lands at (503) 986-5298.
For additional information on the Elliott State Forest:
For additional information on the Elliott State Forest:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/elliottstateforestprotests.shtml
