New Oregon bill would return 18,626 forest acres to Grand Ronde tribe

…would provide additional land for forest management, wildlife, recreation, timber and wildfire resilience. Grand Ronde Tribal Council Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy said the proposed transfer would help the tribe “ rebuild the reservation, community and economy ” lost through termination. She said the tribe would manage the forests using knowledge passed down through generations. Merkley said the legislation would allow Grand Ronde to strengthen self-determination and manage…