County’s $1.4B timber lawsuit survives state’s motion to dismiss

A judge has denied the State of Oregon’s motions to dismiss a lawsuit by Linn County that seeks $1.4 billion over state forest management practices.  Linn County Circuit Judge Daniel Murphy also said he’s inclined to certify the case as a class action — which would include other counties in the litigation — though he’s postponed ruling on that matter.  According to Linn County’s lawsuit, filed earlier this year, insufficient logging on state-owned forestland has cost 15 counties more than $1.4 billion. The complaint claims the counties turned over ownership of forestlands to the state in the early 20th Century with the expectation that it would maximize timber revenues, but since 1998, forest managers have instead prioritized wildlife habitat, water quality and recreation values.