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Bend's Skyline Forest acquired by new investor!

Skyline Forest auction postponed


Diverse landscapes are found in Skyline Forest.
Photo by Greg Burke

The Land Trust has been advised that the expected auction of the 33,000 acre Skyline Forest has been postponed. Fidelity National Financial has acquired a majority of the membership units of Cascade Timberland, the owner of Skyline Forest and another 270,000 acres of timberland in Central Oregon. The change in controlling interest has prompted Cascade Timberlands to postpone the auction. Read the full press release below.

The Land Trust has been contacted by Fidelity National Financial, the new controlling interest, of Cascade Timberland, who indicated that they want to work with the Land Trust to achieve our respective goals, including how Skyline Forest and associated properties can be conserved. While no commitments have been made, the Land Trust is encouraged by these early discussions and believes that this kind of negotiated transaction puts the Land Trust in a much stronger position for conserving Skyline Forest.

What you can do to help:
-Make sure Skyline Forest stays visible. Strong community support is our biggest asset.
-Write letters to the editor or opinion pieces on how important Skyline Forest is to our community.
-Talk to your friends and neighbors--make sure they know this is our chance to chart our future.
-Invite the Land Trust to speak to your service club, book club, neighborhood association or other similar groups.
-Make a donation to the Land Trust. Your financial support is critical as we prepare for a transaction.

"Lands in Trust, Protected Forever"
The Land Trust serves the Deschutes River Basin, an area which covers approximately 11% of Oregon and includes several of Oregon’s fastest growing counties: Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wasco, Sherman, Klamath and Lake.

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Skyline Forest auction postponed

May 22, 2006
News Contact:
Brad Chalfant, Deschutes Basin Land Trust, (541) 330-0017

The Deschutes Basin Land Trust has been advised that the expected auction of the 33,000 acre Skyline Forest has been postponed. Fidelity National Financial has acquired a majority of the membership units of Cascade Timberland, the owner of Skyline Forest and another 270,000 acres of timberland in Central Oregon. The change in controlling interest has prompted Cascade Timberlands to postpone the auction.

The Land Trust has been contacted by Fidelity National Financial, the new controlling interest, of Cascade Timberland, who indicated that they want to work with the Land Trust to achieve our respective goals, including how Skyline Forest and associated properties can be conserved. While no commitments have been made, the Land Trust is encouraged by these early discussions and believes that this kind of negotiated transaction puts the Land Trust in a much stronger position for conserving Skyline Forest.

Brad Chalfant, executive director of the Land Trust, commented that “A private transaction is far more desirable than the uncertainty of an auction and we take it as a positive sign that they came to the Land Trust. While there’s a lot of hard work ahead, I’m highly optimistic that we’ll be able to work with the new controlling interest to create Skyline Forest—a protected community forest.”

The Land Trust remains committed to purchasing the 33,000 acre Skyline Forest and will continue to prepare for such a transaction. State Representative Chuck Burley commented that “Skyline Forest will only be conserved if the community’s interest and concern remains strong. This is why the Land Trust needs our continued support.” Individual donations to Skyline Forest can be made by calling (541) 330-0017 or by visiting our online contribution page.

Skyline Forest would be the Northwest’s largest community forest devoted to sustainable production of forest products, jobs, wildlife, scenic views, and recreation. The Land Trust has been working since last August to acquire and conserve the former Bull Springs Tree Farm. Individual donations are being sought to cover the cost of pursuing the transaction. Funding for the actual purchase would come from a combination of Community Forest Authority bonds, foundations, agency programs and individual donors.

The Deschutes Basin Land Trust has been preserving land for habitat, scenic views, and recreation since 1995. By working cooperatively with private landowners and local communities, the Land Trust acquires land or development rights to help conserve and protect the Deschutes Basin’s natural heritage and open space. Since its founding, the Land Trust has protected more than 5,500 acres in the Deschutes Basin.

The Deschutes Basin Land Trust – “Lands in Trust, Protected Forever”

Read more . . .
Deschutes Basin Land Trust
Map of Skyline Forest between Bend and Sisters
Skyline Forest should be purchased by Deschutes Land Trust!
Royal Robbins speaks on 40 Years of Adventure, first ascents and first descents
Bend's Skyline Forest Community Authority created by Commissioners

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