Measure 49 Fixes Measure 37

"Timber Firms Battle Oregon Property Measure"

Campaign finance figures show that, so far, 18 timber-related companies have contributed $1.14 million, or 59 percent, to the $1.93 million campaign to defeat Measure 49.

Of those 18 timber companies, 9 have claims, under the 2004 law, seeking the right to convert 113,000 acres of their land to subdivisions.  The timber companies are demanding $32.5 million in compensation if the government rejects those claims.

The largest single contributor to the anti-Measure 49 campaign so far is the Stimson Lumber Co., which has chipped in $375,000. The Portland-based company has filed the largest development claims under the 2004 law’s provisions, a total of at least 57,000 acres in six counties, which the Yes on 49 Committee says signals Stimson’s intent to convert forests into subdivisions. (Read the full story from the Associated Press)