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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate NEWS NOW Hannah Pearcey named Miss Rogue Valley ... Oregon Legislature roundup: What got done and what didn't in Salem ... Drowning claimed man in Lost Creek; evidence of fire on boat ... Hannah Pearcey named Miss Rogue Valley ... Oregon Legislature roundup: What got done and what didn't in Salem ... Drowning claimed man in Lost Creek; evidence of fire on boat ... LINN COUNTY Linn County officials oppose Douglas fir monument proposal 500,000-acre designation would not mean more regulations, environmental groups say Comment By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Mar. 4, 2016 at 8:41 PM Updated Mar 4, 2016 at 8:48 PM By The Associated Press Posted Mar. 4, 2016 at 8:41 PM Updated Mar 4, 2016 at 8:48 PM » Social News ALBANY — Local officials say they strongly oppose a proposal by environmental groups that would create a Douglas Fir National Monument in western Oregon. A coalition of environmental groups would like to designate nearly 500,000 acres in Linn and Marion counties as a national monument. That would include most of the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management land in Linn County, said county commissioner Will Tucker, plus nearly 50,000 acres of private land if it becomes available for purchase. "This is very scary that this is being proposed," Tucker told the Albany Democrat-Herald. "We're definitely against this. We need to stop it now." Linn County Commissioners John Lindsey and Roger Nyquist also opposed the idea this week. But creating the monument wouldn't mean any additional regulations on state or private land unless it was acquired by the federal government, according to conservation lobbyist Andy Kerr. He said a national monument designation would draw tourists to the area. "They will spend money locally while they are enjoying the forest," he said. "The difference is in branding. If it shows up as a different color on the map, they will think, 'Hey, here's something special,' and come see it." Kerr, who owns the Larch Company, said the coalition views the draft proposal as a way to start a conversation about conserving the Douglas fir forests for future generations. In an email, Tucker called the move "the worst case of land grab." "The old trees they talk of, the 300- to 900-year-old trees are already protected," he wrote. "We do not need more protection, we need better science applied to forest management. We do not need more private land to be taken from private ownership. We need more public access to federal lands and federal land returned to Oregon." State Rep. Sherrie Sprenger, a Republican, represents much of the area included in the draft proposal. "I am extremely nervous about this, greatly concerned," she said. "The last thing we need to do is tie up more federal land with regulations." Willamette National Forest spokeswoman Jude McHugh says forest officials are aware of the proposal but have nothing to add at this time. She said these kinds of decisions lie in the hands of elected officials. President Barack Obama can declare national monuments without seeking the approval of Congress through the American Antiquities Act of 1906. By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Mar. 4, 2016 at 8:41 PM Updated Mar 4, 2016 at 8:48 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501