Anti-Logging Protesters Arrested in Elliott State Forest in Douglas County

New laws make public protest in Oregon illegal?

Salem-News.com

(DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore.) - Approximately 50 Oregon State Police troopers and Douglas County deputies arrived Wednesday morning at about 10:00 a.m. at the site of what police call, "an illegal logging protest" on the Elliott State Forest on the Umpcoos Ridge No. 2 Timber Sale in Douglas County.

The arrival of law enforcement officers followed Tuesday night's delivery of a letter from the Department of State Lands advising protesters that their activities were in violation of state law including, but not limited to, Interference with Agricultural Operations under ORS 164.887. Protestors were given the night to voluntarily leave the area.

Police say they offered protesters a chance to leave prior to their arrival Wednesday morning. They were told that if they did not voluntarily leave, they would be subject to arrest. Approximately 20 - 25 individuals voluntarily left and another 20 - 25 individuals remained on scene.

As of 2:30 p.m., of those who remained behind, 17 have been arrested and will be lodged in the Douglas County Jail, according to Oregon State Police. The remaining estimated 8 people are either positioned in nearby trees or immobilized by home made, improvised restraints.

Law enforcement officials on scene, working in cooperation with the Department of Forestry which manages the land under an agreement with Department of State Lands, are taking their time to complete the arrests of the remaining protesters. There has been no resistance from the passive protesters and no injuries reported.

No more information to be released at this time related to law enforcement activities.