Congressman Peter Defazio is lambasting the Bureau of Land Management. He says they’re “sitting on” the latest scientific review of its plan for more logging in Oregon.

The Western Oregon Plan Revision is nicknamed WOPR (wopper).

Defazio: “I think everybody learned in about the first grade what a “whopper” is. A wopper is what we as kids called a really, big lie.”

Defazio says the plan is not based on good science.

Defazio: “It’s not going to deliver an increase in timber supply in western Oregon. It’s not based on science that the bush administration’s own agencies will support. One by one, they’re rejecting it.”

In late 2005, the B.L.M convened its own team to examine the WOPR. According to Defazio, the scientists found several critical errors in the revision. For instance: over-estimating amounts of habitat and failing to take into account variables like wildfire, climate change and population trends in sensitive species like the spotted owl.

Defazio says if the WOPR cannot stand under its own weight, it’s time for congress to step in and provide direction for Oregon’s forests.