BLM timber sales to offer up to 58.5 million board feet in western Oregon (Photo)Bureau of Land Management Ore. & Wash. - 08/04/25 11:02 AM
PORTLAND, Ore – The Bureau of Land Management will offer eight timber sales in August, totalling 58.5 million board feet to be harvested from 2,223 public acres across western Oregon. Timber produced by these sales will provide critical supplies for construction and other industries, and support jobs across local economies.
"BLM-managed forests and woodlands have an abundance of timber resources that contribute to our domestic timber needs,” said BLM OR/WA State Director Barry Bushue. “BLM timber sales ensure we retain our domestic lumber supply, which promotes local job growth and reduces reliance on imported building supplies."
The Coos Bay District will offer the Soup Bones CT timber sale (3.2 million board feet, 118 public acres) near Scottsburg in Coos County. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 10 a.m. on Aug. 29 at the Coos Bay District Office, 1300 Airport Ln, North Bend.
The Medford District will offer the Rouge Cypress timber sale (11.6 million board feet, 651 public acres) near Shady Cove in Jackson County. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 9 a.m. on Aug. 28, at the Medford District Office, 3040 Biddle Rd, Medford.
The Northwest Oregon District in Salem will offer three sales in Marion County: the For Granite timber sale (7.7 million board feet, 183 public acres) near Falls City; the Riley Coyote timber sale (7.3 million board feet, 167 public acres) near Falls City; and the Deer Slide timber sale (6.7 million board feet,160 public acres) near Sheridan. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 9 a.m. on Aug. 27, at the Northwest Oregon District Office, 1717 Fabry Rd SE, Salem.
The Northwest Oregon District in Springfield will offer two sales in Lane County: the Dueling Elk timber sale (8.7 million board feet, 368 public acres) near Blachly; and the Shotgun Formation timber sale (5.5 million board feet, 193 public acres) near Marcola. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 10 a.m. on Aug. 28, at the Northwest Oregon District Office, 3106 Pierce Pkwy E, Springfield.
The Roseburg District will offer the Noble Steed timber sale (7.8 million board feet, 383 public acres) near Oakland in Douglas County. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 10 a.m. on Aug. 26, at the Roseburg District Office, 777 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg.
In western Oregon, the BLM manages 2.4 million acres of some of the most productive forests in the world, and is committed to supplying a reliable, secure, and resilient domestic supply of timber. BLM forestry supports economic security, reduces risks from wildfire, conserves fish and wildlife habitat, and decreases costs of energy production. Local communities rely on jobs that come from BLM forests, and timber from public land feeds local industry.
Each year, sales managed by the BLM’s forestry program in Oregon and Washington support approximately 2,000 local jobs and generate more than $1 billion for local economies. Revenue from timber sold on O&C lands is shared between the U.S. Treasury and 18 western Oregon counties. This funding provides local communities with the means to construct new county buildings; develop fairgrounds and museums; support libraries, schools, and jails; and build flood-control dams and reservoirs.
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The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Bellevue SD - 07/31/25 5:38 PM
Bellevue, WA – The Bellevue School District (BSD) has entered into an agreement to sell its surplus Somerset property to Tri Pointe Homes Washington, Inc. for $30 million. Proceeds from the sale will accelerate the District’s financial recovery plan by helping restore the General Fund reserve to levels required by School Board policy.
Senate Bill 5412 was passed by the Washington State Legislature in January 2025. The new law, codified in RCW 28A.335.130, allows school districts under binding financial conditions to direct proceeds from a one-time property sale into their General Fund. BSD formally entered binding financial conditions with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) as of July 10, 2025.
“This sale represents a critical step forward in our commitment to responsible stewardship of district assets and long-term financial stability. Bellevue is a vibrant and high-performing district, and like many across Washington State, we are navigating financial challenges driven by enrollment shifts, state funding mechanisms, and rising operational costs. The proceeds from this sale will help restore our financial health and ensure we continue delivering the world-class educational experience our students and families expect and deserve. Our focus remains unwavering: to serve every student with excellence and care throughout our recovery and beyond.”-Dr. Heather Sánchez, Chief Operations Officer.
The 10.11-acre property, located in Bellevue (King County Parcel ID: 2224059024), had previously been declared surplus—indicating it was no longer needed for educational purposes. The sale follows all procedures required by RCW 28A.335.120, including board resolution, public notice, and compliance with transparency and public records requirements.
Superintendent Dr. Kelly Aramaki said, “Bellevue is on an accelerated path to financial recovery, in part thanks to our legislators who have given districts in binding conditions a tool like SB 5412 to speed up recovery. Restoring a 5% fund balance as required by policy would normally have taken 5-10 years to accomplish using funds that would otherwise be used for student supports. Instead, the sale of this surplus property itself will restore much of our fund balance which will cut the recovery time by half at least and will allow us to use all available funds to support the innovative programs and services for our students and community.”
The District will provide ongoing updates to the School Board and the community as the sale progresses. BSD remains committed to responsible financial planning and transparent communication.
Tri Pointe Homes will develop the property for residential use. Earnest money of $1.5 million will be secured through a promissory note and converted to non-refundable cash after feasibility approval. If necessary, the buyer may extend closing twice by paying additional non-refundable fees.
The Bellevue School District, with over 20,000 students and 28 schools, is a diverse and dynamic district in East King County, Washington. Its mission is "To serve each and every student academically, socially, and emotionally through a rigorous and relevant education that is innovative and individualized. As a learning community that values one another's humanity, we provide courageous support for an equitable and exceptional education for all students."
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Granite Falls SD - 07/31/25 3:52 PM
The Granite Falls School Board of Directors will hold a Regular Board Meeting on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 6 PM in the Granite Falls School District Board Room, located at 205 North Alder Ave, Granite Falls, WA 98252.
If you have any public comments, please submit your request to Paris Jimenez at pjimenez@gfalls.wednet.edu by 3 PM on June 258, 2025.
pjimenez@gfalls.wednet.edu
U.S. Attorney's Office - Eastern Dist. of Wash. - 07/31/25 8:46 AM
Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter announced that Jesus Birrueta-Mendoza, age 27, a citizen of Mexico residing in Pasco, Washington, was sentenced on charges of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Birrueta-Mendoza pleaded guilty to those charges on February 18, 2025. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Birrueta-Mendoza to 10 years in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on January 18, 2024, Birrueta-Mendoza was engaged in ongoing negotiations to sell upwards of 50 pounds of methamphetamine. On the day of the intended transaction, Birrueta-Mendoza was arrested by agents of the Department of Homeland Security and found to be in possession of 25 pounds of methamphetamine at a location in Sunnyside, Washington. Birrueta-Mendoza was unlawfully present in the United States when he committed this serious federal offense after being removed by authorities three times in 2018.
“Mr. Birrueta-Mendoza was engaged in drug trafficking after unlawfully returning to the United States. He intended to distribute a large amount of methamphetamine into our community without concern about its impact.” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Van Marter. “This office remains committed to working with our federal, state and tribal partners to remove those offenders who pose such a threat. This sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions and my office’s commitment to hold drug distributors accountable.”
“HSI remains committed to combating transnational criminal organizations that import and distribute narcotics in our communities,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle Acting Special Agent in Charge Colin Jackson. “HSI will continue to ensure that individuals like Mr. Birrueta-Mendoza, who attempt to distribute narcotics in the Pacific Northwest, are held accountable.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Murphy.
1:24-cr-02007-SAB