The state of Oregon is looking for a buyer for the Elliott State Forest in Southern Oregon. More than 40 groups have come forward saying they want to be part of a deal.
The state decided to sell the Elliott after the forest started losing money for a public school fund. But finding a buyer to purchase the entire 80-thousand acres, while protecting old trees and public access could be a challenge.
John Potter is managing the sale for the state. He says interest has come from a wide background - from timber harvesters to conservation groups, local governments and Indian tribes.
John Potter: “The point of this is to try to put together those groups that can work together and meet both the enhanced public benefits and raise the necessary capital to compensate the Common School Fund.”
An initial assessment puts the value of the coastal forest between 250 and 450 million dollars.
