Rep. Ron Maurer (R-Grants Pass) points out an interesting conflict between the Common School Fund and the Sierra Club. 

Oregon has an investment fund called the Common School Fund (CSF).  This fund like any financial investment provides annual returns that are given to schools.  The state has a fiduciary responsibility to maximize its investments and when that investment is for the support of education it is critical that we be smart in how we manage money.  A significant piece of the CSF investment portfolio is the Elliot Sate Forest.  The Elliot State Forest is about 93,000 acres of timberland near Readsport.  Historically, this investment has returned approximately 3% annually. Well below the 8.7% return seen by the Oregon Investment Council. 

HB 3434 is a bill that would require the State Land Board to ensure that this investment provide a rate of return at or above that received by the Oregon Investment Council for the CSF.  If the rate of return is not sufficient then the State Land Board would be required to solicit bids to sell the Elliot State Forest and any proceeds would be placed in the CSF for other investments. 

During public testimony it was clear who is on the side of kids in this debate.  And it is not the Sierra Club.  I might suggest that the Sierra Club just buy the Elliot State Forest.  I will open the bidding at $2 Billion.