Rowena Fire Resources Push Forward On Progress Overnight, Community Meeting Tonight (Photo) -06/13/25

ROWENA, Ore. – Firefighters working on the Rowena Fire overnight, although continuing to be challenged by the wind, were able to push forward on progress around the town of Rowena and along Highway 30. Sustained winds of 20-30 miles per hour were observed across the fire, however little fire growth was seen. An Infrared (IR) flight was ordered and placed the fire around 3,831 acres. More accurate mapping will be available as firefighters continue to work along the fire line and gather data.

Goals for today are centered around holding the fire in its current footprint, limiting growth and protecting homes and natural resources. Aircraft will continue to remain a critical asset on the fire, and more have been ordered. With more resources arriving to the incident, firefighters will be able to deploy more direct tactics, working at the fire’s edge to create a control line and hold the fire. As this work progresses, containment will increase.

Structural resources will continue to work around homes near the fire’s perimeter, mopping up areas that have seen fire. Firefighters will also be removing hazardous trees to increase safety in the area while work is ongoing and ahead of any residents returning. Firefighters are working as quickly and safely as possible with current evacuations in mind, as well as future fire potential across the state.

“It’s very early in fire season for us to be dealing with a large, fast-moving fire like the Rowena Fire, and deploying one of our incident management teams,” Craig Pettinger, ODF Team 2 Deputy IC said. “It doesn’t bode well for what’s ahead of us knowing we already expect an active fire season. We have a lot of fire season ahead of us, and long seasons take a toll on our firefighters and communities across the state.”

Temperatures will be slightly cooler today in the 70s, and relative humidity will be higher, predicted to reach the mid-30s, meaning more moisture will be in the air. These conditions may help to naturally lower the intensity of the fire behavior, however winds will remain steady and create smoky conditions.

A community meeting will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at The Dalles High School auditorium, 220 E 10th St The Dalles, Oregon 97058, to provide a current fire update to the public. A recording of the meeting will be later posted on YouTube and Facebook for those who can’t attend in person.

Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations remain in effect under the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office’s direction. You can search for specific addresses here: https://perimetermap.com/wascocounty-or

The Red Cross has opened a shelter at The Dalles Middle School at 1100 East 12th Street. Livestock and horses can be taken to the Wasco County Fairgrounds at 81849 Fairgrounds Road.

I-84 remains open, however firefighters are continuing to work near the roadway; be aware of crews when driving through the area.

Closures: Due to the fires, Mayer State Park is closed to the public. More information is available here: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=117

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A “TFR” is in place at an altitude from the surface up to and including 6500 feet, daily (24 hours) until further notice. Complete information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_5_2600. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts.

A daily media availability will occur at Mayer State Park East at 1p.m. until further notice. Please RSVP to imt2.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov or call Natalie Weber at 541-621-4005 .

UPDATE: Additional Fire Precautions In Place For Central Oregon District -06/10/25

UPDATE: As of June 10, 2025 the Central Oregon District will be in HIGH fire danger, except for the John Day/ Monument Unit who will remain in MODERATE. This sudden increase is due to fast changing conditions in the district. 

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Prineville, Ore. – Starting this Monday, June 16, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., additional fire precaution orders will be applied to all lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District. This regulated-use closure is intended to help reduce the number of human-caused fires in the district.

“With high temperatures forecasted, the district is issuing extra fire prevention restrictions to address the current conditions,” said Rob Pentzer, Central Oregon District Forester.

With that in mind, the ODF Central Oregon District restricts the following activities:

• Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads.

• Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except in designated areas. The use of portable appliances such as camp stoves and fire pits using liquified or bottled fuels are allowed in clear areas free of flammable vegetation. The following is required where open fires and appliances are allowed; one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2 ½ pound fire extinguisher.

• Chainsaw use is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Chainsaw use is permitted at all other hours, if the following firefighting equipment is present with each operating saw: one axe, one shovel, and one operational 8 ounce or larger fire extinguisher. In addition, a fire watch is required for at least one hour following the use of each saw.

• Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. At all other times the area is to be cleared of flammable vegetation and the following fire equipment is required: one axe, one shovel, and one operational 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher in good working order.

• Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, is prohibited, except on improved roads and except for vehicle use by a landowner and employees of the landowner upon their own land while conducting activities associated with their livelihood.

• Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling in a motorized vehicle, except on federal and state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one operational 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher, except all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles which must be equipped with an approved spark arrestor in good working condition.

• Mowing of dried grass with power driven equipment is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops. The use of battery or electric powered string trimmers is exempt from this requirement.
• Use of fireworks is prohibited.
• Blasting is prohibited.

• Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and 2) Operated in compliance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Aside from these restrictions, also prohibited throughout fire season is backyard debris burning, the use of exploding targets and tracer ammunition.

Currently, the fire danger level for the ODF Central Oregon District remains at MODERATE. Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply depending on the various fire risks. Check the full list of restrictions at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

ODF’s Central Oregon District protects state and private lands in Hood River, Wasco, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook Morrow, Grant, Wheeler, Umatilla, Gillam, Klamath and Harney County.

For more information on the Central Oregon District and fire season regulations, visit https://odfcentraloregon.com/. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org

Remain Informed: Check Your Local Fire Restrictions (Photo) -06/06/25

Salem, Ore. – Over the last week, several Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Fire Protection Districts have announced the start of fire season and implemented the necessary fire danger levels and restrictions to reduce the number of human-caused fires.

Fire danger levels may be low, moderate, high, or extreme at different times throughout the year based on local fuel conditions, weather and other potential fire hazards. Public use restrictions on activities are enacted during fire season in an effort to reduce the number of human-caused fires, and may fluctuate throughout the season.

Conditions across the state are quickly becoming more susceptible to wildfire due to reduced rain and high temperatures.

As of today, the following ODF districts have announced their declaration of fire season:

• Southwest Oregon (Jackson and Josephine county) – June 1 – Moderate Fire Danger
• Central Oregon (Hood River, Jefferson, Deschutes, Crook, Morrow, Wheeler, Grant, and Harney County) June 2 – Moderate Fire Danger
• Walker Ranger FPA (northern Klamath County) – June 2 – Moderate Fire Danger
• Northeast Oregon (Wallowa, Union, Umatilla, and Baker County) – June 5 – Low Fire Danger
• Klamath-Lake (Klamath and Lake County) – June 6 – Moderate Fire Danger
• Coos FPA (Coos and Curry County) – June 6 – Low Fire Danger
• Douglas FPA (Douglas County) – June 6 – Moderate Fire Danger
• Western Lane (Lane County) – June 9 – Moderate Fire Danger
• South Cascade (Linn and Lane County) – June 9 – Moderate Fire Danger

Additional fire regulations may be implemented as fire danger level changes throughout fire season.

With the forecast of a hotter, drier summer this year, the Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents not to become complacent in wildfire prevention.

With several districts in or going into fire season, and others not yet there, it’s important to check the local fire restrictions where you live and where you’re planning to travel. Remaining informed of local fire restrictions can prevent you from bringing prohibited fire hazards onto the landscape and from potentially starting the next large wildfire.

Remember, the fewer human-caused fires in Oregon we have, the more you’re helping protect Oregon’s natural resources, communities, and firefighters. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org. Check your local restrictions at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: South Cascade And Western Lane District Fire Season Begins June 9 (Photo) -06/05/25

Springfield, Ore. – Fire season on all lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) South Cascade and Western Lane District will begin June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. Starting this Monday, the district’s fire danger level will be “MODERATE” (BLUE), and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be I (one).

Earlier this year, fire managers were optimistic regarding this year’s fire season due to the higher-than-normal snowpack and winter rainfall. However, due to the decline in spring rain and rise in temperatures, conditions in the districts are quickly changing to be more susceptible to fire.

Before bringing a fire hazard on the landscape, check the fire restrictions in your local area or the area you’re traveling to.

Beginning June 9, the South Cascade and Western Lane Districts will be implementing restrictions based on fire danger level. MODERATE (BLUE) fire danger level restricts the following activities:

• No debris burning, including piles and burn barrels, unless permitted by the local forester.
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
• No smoking while traveling through or working in any operational area.
• Use of spark emitting equipment (power saws, mowers, etc.), including the mowing of dried cured grass, is prohibited after 1:00 p.m. and before 8:00 p.m.

In addition to the fire prevention requirements Under IFPL I (one), the following will go into effect:

• A fire watch is required for a minimum of one hour during breaks and at the end of the operational period.

Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply depending on the changing fire risks throughout the fire season.

The Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents not to become complacent in wildfire prevention. The fewer human-caused fires we have, the less the district’s resources are strained.

ODF’s Western Lane and South Cascade District protect state and private lands in Linn, Lane, and northern Douglas County. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org. Check your local restrictions at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

ADVISORY ONLY--NOT FOR PUBLICATION: 2025 Media Access To Natural Disasters Training Now Available -06/04/25

The auto-generated credential functionality for the annual training required for journalists to gain unescorted access to natural disaster scenes is now live. The free, one-hour online training course is provided by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

If you haven’t renewed your training credentials by completing the training in this calendar year, complete the training at https://odftraining.thinkific.com/courses/media-access-2025. Please note, the link will take you to a landing page says “2024 Edition,” but it is the correct training for this year.

After you pass the quiz at the end of the course, the system will automatically generate a completion certificate that serves as your proof of training.

Journalists are encouraged to print two copies of their credentials—one to display in their vehicle and another to keep in their wallet—and to save an electronic copy to their phone or computer, just in case.

House Bill 4087 (2022) granted journalists access to certain natural disaster scenes even if a public safety organization escort is unavailable. The bill’s access provisions apply specifically to natural disaster scenes on non-federal public lands that are also closed to the public due to the disaster. The HB 4087 guidelines created by a joint committee of public safety and media representatives provide additional important information including personal protective equipment requirements and circumstances when access may be denied.

For more information about HB 4087 and media access to natural disasters in Oregon, check out these resources from the Safe Media Access to Disaster Sites Committee and the Oregon Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. 

ODF Sends Firefighters To Alberta, Other States -05/30/25

SALEM, Ore. – Today, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) deployed 14 firefighters to Alberta, Canada, four firefighters to Alaska, three to Minnesota, and one to Florida. With fire season beginning in some parts of the state, this will be the agency’s last big out-of-state resource push until the rainy fall returns in Oregon.  

Those being deployed to Alberta and Alaska are going through the Northwest Compact, which is a mutual assistance agreement among six states and five NW Canadian provinces and territories. Those deployed to Minnesota and Florida are going through state-to-state mutual aid agreements. Both agreements are in place for organizations to easily share resources with one another, creating a larger and more comprehensive fire management system.  

“These agreements help bolster Oregon’s complete and coordinated fire protection system and create a cache of reciprocal resources for all of us to call on when needed,” Michael Curran, ODF’s Fire Protection Division Chief, said.

When wildfire activity is low in Oregon, firefighters can be spared to help in places experiencing high levels of wildfire. This two-week rotation with our partners is our firefighters’ chance to enhance existing skills, learn new ones, and build on long-standing relationships.

“Know that we don’t share these resources without appropriate vetting. Before committing to any out-of-state deployment, we make sure that our own fire management system is still adequately staffed and ready to respond to fires here in Oregon. Serving Oregonians is our first and primary priority,” said Curran.

Oregon can and has called on its out-of-state partners to send resources when wildfires here exceeded our local and state response capacity, most recently in 2024 when ODF received firefighters and equipment from about 21 states, provinces and territories.

Central Oregon District Fire Season Begins June 2 (Photo) -05/29/25

Prineville, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District is declaring the beginning of fire season on June 2, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. Starting this Monday, the district’s fire danger level will be “Moderate”, and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be I (one) in Hood River and Wasco counties.

Earlier this year, fire managers were optimistic regarding this year’s fire season due to the higher-than-normal snowpack. However, due to the decline in spring rain, rise in temperatures, and windy conditions, the fine fuels in the district have begun to dry significantly.

So far this year, the district has experienced 16 fires, of which half were escaped debris burns. Debris burning is the number one cause of human-caused fires in Oregon. At this time, ODF recommends covering your pile until the rainy fall season, when it’s safer to burn.

With fire season in effect, check the fire restrictions in your local area or the area you’re traveling to. Most Central Oregon counties have already enacted debris burn bans.

The declaration of fire season brings regulations based on fire danger level. Regulated activities are known to cause fires and following regulations will help reduce fire starts. Moderate fire danger level prohibits the following activities:

• No debris burning, including piles and burn barrels, unless permitted by the local forester.
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
• No smoking while traveling through or working in any operation area.

In addition to the fire prevention requirements Under IFPL I (one), the following will go into effect:

• A fire watch is required for a minimum of one hour during breaks and at the end of the operational period.

Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply depending on the various fire risks throughout the fire season.

The Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents to not become complacent in wildfire prevention. The less human-caused fires we have, the less the district’s resources are strained. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org

ODF’s Central Oregon District protects state and private lands in Hood River, Wasco, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook Morrow, Grant, and Harney County. For more information on the Central Oregon District and fire season regulations, visit https://odfcentraloregon.com/. Check your local restrictions at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

For local ODF burn information, please call:

• Prineville-Sisters Unit – (541) 447-5658
• John Day Unit – (541)-575-1139
• The Dalles Unit – (541) 296-4626

Committee For Emergency Fire Cost Meets June 3 -05/27/25

SALEM, Ore. — The Emergency Fire Cost Committee will meet in the Tillamook Room, Building C, Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State St. in Salem on Tuesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Financial status of the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund
• Weather update
• Update on status of large fire cost collection efforts
• Eligibility of firefighting costs for the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund
• Agency and Business Services/Fire Protection Division/Administrator reports

The meeting is open to the public to attend in person or online via Teams. Public comments will be accepted near the end of the meeting. Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

The Emergency Fire Cost Committee (EFCC) oversees the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund (OFLPF), established by the Oregon Legislature as a fund with the purpose of equalizing emergency fire suppression costs among the various Oregon Department of Forestry protection districts and forest protective associations. All districts/associations contribute to the fund so that money will be available to any individual district/association to pay fire suppression costs on eligible emergency fires. View more information on the EFCC webpage.

Adaptive Management Program Committee Meets June 2 -05/23/25

SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet at noon on Monday, June 2 in the Clatsop Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Questions and answers with the Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) co-chairs regarding scoping proposals
• Discuss the Adaptive Management Program (AMP) research agenda framework
• Discuss details of AMP research agenda
• Address IRST’s clarifying questions re: Amphibians research questions

The meeting is open to the public to attend in person or online via Teams. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at adaptivemanagementprogram@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member Adaptive Management Program Committee helps determine if forest practices are meeting their goals to protect natural resources through a science-based and transparent process. The committee sets the research agenda that the Independent Research and Science Team implements. View more information on the AMPC webpage.

Board Of Forestry Governance Committee To Meet Virtually On May 29 -05/23/25

SALEM, Ore. — The Board of Forestry Governance Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, May 29 at 1 p.m. To join, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Review revised additions to the Board Policies Manual
• Review recommendations for Board Policies Manual edits
• Finalize recommendations for Board of Forestry adoption

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

This standing board committee recommends policies (or policy changes) to the board pertaining to governance issues and processes including the oversight and management of the BPM, orientation and training of new board members, the evaluation and improvement of the board, the repository of board materials, and oversight of the written conflict of interest policies, procedures, and review of annual or special statements of board members. Read more information about the committee.

State Forest Visitors Benefit From Law Enforcement And ODF Partnerships (Photo) -05/22/25

TILLAMOOK STATE FOREST, Ore.—A special long-term partnership between the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) recreation staff and local law enforcement agencies helps to improve the safety, education and overall experience for people visiting Oregon’s state forests.

“Our number one priority is the safety of everyone who visits the forest,” said Tillamook County Sheriff’s Deputy Billy Cloud.  “The best way to improve safety is through education and every day we are talking with people helping them understand the rules and best practices to minimize risks and improve safety.”

The vast majority of people visiting the Tillamook State Forest will have an enjoyable time hiking, biking, camping or riding because of the work of ODF’s recreation staff.

“We work hard to build, maintain and improve our trials, campgrounds and other recreational areas to provide the safest, most enjoyable experiences possible,” said Joe Offer, ODF’s Recreation, Education and Interpretation Program Manager. “I believe we provide the best outdoor experience in Oregon for the most people—and all at a reasonable cost.”

The benefit of these efforts is evidenced by the relatively few problems that occur in Tillamook State Forest. The temperate rain forest is just 40 miles from Portland and draws large numbers of visitors throughout the year. Those visitors use off-highway vehicle (OHV), mountain bike, equestrian and hiking trails, as well as developed campgrounds and managed dispersed camping areas, to enjoy 364,000 acres of the state forest.

With that many visitors there are sometimes a few guests that cause problems.

“The most common incidents on the forest involve those under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but range from arguments over reservations, to parking issues or noise complaints,” said Offer.  “If our limited staff, which includes four full time, five seasonal, and 10 volunteer camp hosts, are not able to resolve and de-escalate a situation we contact the deputies. Our top priority is always the safety of our guests and staff.”

There are three Tillamook County deputies that work in the Tillamook State Forest thanks to a grant through Oregon State Parks. Those grant funds come from all-terrain vehicle (ATV) user permit sales and a percentage of gasoline tax money.  The county has applied for and received the grant for more than 25 years. Throughout the year, the deputies and ODF staff meet regularly to discuss and solve problems. One area always discussed is OHV safety.

“We spend a lot of time with the OHV folks,” said Cloud.  “There are three main things we look for and help people understand: helmet laws for those under 18, equipment requirements especially spark arrestors on OHVs, and current permits or safety cards.”

DOT-approved helmets are required for youth under age 18 for all ATVs.  ATVs on public lands must also have an adequate muffler to limit sound emissions to 99 dBA and spark arrestors to prevent wildfires.  Permits must be displayed on ATVs and operators need a current safety card.

“We do not want to write citations,” said Cloud.  “We do want compliance, so folks stay safe while they are out in the forest.  However, if someone is riding under the influence or commits another crime they will be arrested.”

ODF staff and deputies work together on other law enforcement issues including vandalism, illegal dumping, criminal activity, abandoned vehicles and non-recreational campers.

A safe and enjoyable visit is the top goal of ODF staff and the deputies but sometimes people do not realize the challenges they face when visiting the forest.

“My advice, and I can’t stress this enough, is use some common sense,” said Cloud.  “If you haven’t been hiking in a couple of years then don’t start off trying to hike a long 10-to-20 mile trail that you have never been on. And, no, just because you are tired doesn’t mean you can ask for a rescue helicopter to take you back to the parking lot.  True story, just this spring.”

The other common-sense issue some people fail to realize is their cell phones and other devices likely won’t have a connection in many areas of Oregon’s state forests.

“Most ODF staff vehicles have radios, and the deputies all have radios, so if you do need help be sure to contact one of us,” said Offer.

The good working relationship between Tillamook County Sherrif’s Office and the ODF staff is just one part of keeping state forests safe.

“All of our state forests combined cross the boundaries of 15 counties,” said Offer. “I want to personally thank all the law enforcement agencies and search and rescue teams we work with that help make Oregonians’ visits to their state forests as safe as possible.”

For more on state forest recreational opportunities see: Oregon Department of Forestry : Recreation, education & interpretation : Recreation, education & interpretation : State of Oregon

For more on riding ATVs on public land: Oregon Parks and Recreation : All-Terrain Vehicles In Oregon : Ride ATVs : State of Oregon

Oregon Department Of Forestry Invites Media To Aerial Firefighting Training -05/22/25

What: The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) South Cascade District is inviting media to their aerial firefighting training, which will include the use of Weyerhaeuser aerial resources.

Background: On May 29, the ODF South Cascade District will be conducting an introduction to aerial firefighting for ground firefighters with a training component in the field. This training gives our boots on the ground the opportunity to meet the pilots, become familiar with working with aircraft, see what the capabilities are, and get practical experience in air-to-ground communications. The biggest benefit of this training is getting ground trainees a chance to work one-on-one with aircraft outside of an actual fire. In addition to meeting the pilots and training with live aircraft outside of a fire, firefighters will have a chance for feedback and questions from pilots during an after-action review (AAR).

Details and Visuals: Media will meet the PIOs at the ODF Springfield Unit office at 9 a.m. At 9:30 a.m., we will depart the office and caravan out to training location on Weyerhaeuser’s property. There is not an exact address for where the training will be held, so please be on time to not miss the caravan.

Visuals will include ground operations and aerial operations. At this time, there are two Type 3 helicopters from Weyerhaeuser confirmed for the training and there will be approximately 20 ground trainees. The aircraft will practice bucket drops with the ground firefighters practicing communication with the pilots. At the end of the training, pilots will participate in an AAR with ground firefighters.

There will be several opportunities for interviews throughout the day with trainees and instructors.

When: Thursday, May 29, 2025

Starting Location: ODF Springfield Unit Office, 3150 Main St, Springfield, OR 97478

Secondary Location: Weyerhaeuser

Time: 9:00-9:30 a.m. at ODF Springfield Unit Office
           10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Weyerhaeuser property

PPE: Media will need a hard hat and high visibility shirt. If you do not have these, let us know at time of RSVP so we may supply it.

Please RSVP by emailing Jessica Neujahr, jessica.neujahr@odf.oregon.gov.

Board Of Forestry To Meet On June 4 And 5 -05/22/25

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet starting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, and Thursday, June 5. The meetings will be held in the Tillamook Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. The meetings are open to the public and will also be livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel.

The board’s business agenda for June 4 includes:

• Legislative session update
• Review of suggested edits to state forester recruitment materials
• Approval of designated individual to support state forester recruitment
• Wildfire outlook and response readiness
• Central Oregon and Northeast Oregon District boundary change
• Approval of forest protection association budgets
• Board of Forestry Governance Committee update
• Forestland conversion presentation

The agenda for June 5 includes:

• State forests modeled outcomes discussion with the Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee (FTLAC)

The full agenda is available on the board’s webpage. Live testimony is available on both days. Signing up for live testimony is required, and instructions are available online. Written testimony will also be accepted. Written comments can be submitted before or up to two weeks after the meeting day by mail to the Board Support Office, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310 or email to boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. Please include the appropriate agenda item and topic with the submission.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include appointing the State Forester, setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30-million-acre forestland base. Read more information about the board.

Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee Meets May 23 -05/21/25

SALEM, Ore. — The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee meets Friday, May 23 at 10 a.m. at ODF headquarters in Salem, with a virtual option.

The public meeting will be held in the Tillamook Room at the Oregon Department of Forestry’s headquarters, 2600 State St., Salem. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

Agenda items will include:

• Update on ODF engagement process for neighboring landowners
• Review of proposed forest modeling outcomes for Draft Forest Management Plan

Public comment is scheduled at the beginning of the meeting. To submit written comment, email ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov. Written comments sent at least 48 hours before the meeting will give the FTLAC time to review and consider information. Comments submitted after that window of time will be sent to the FTLAC after the meeting, entered into the record and posted online. Comments are not accepted after the meeting concludes.

The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee is comprised of seven county commissioners representing 15 Oregon counties where state forestlands are located. The FTLAC is a statutorily established committee that advises the Board of Forestry on matters related to forestland managed by ODF. View more information on the FTLAC webpage.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

Adults In Custody Trained And Ready To Help Fight Oregon’s Wildfires (Photo) -05/16/25

Tillamook State Forest, Ore.—More than 60 adults in custody (AICs) capped off a week of classroom wildland fire training with a hands-on field day at South Fork Forest Camp (SFFC) in the middle of the Tillamook State Forest this week.

The AICs rotated between four stations to demonstrate and improve critical skills they will use this summer when many of the 10-man crews deploy to battle wildfires and help protect people, buildings and forests, mainly in western Oregon. The training was conducted by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) staff from SFFC, Tillamook and Forest Grove offices.

The four stations included: digging handline and proper use of wildland firefighting hand tools, laying hose and using a Mark 3 water pump, mop-up operations on the perimeter of a fire, and deployment of a personal emergency fire shelter.

“This group of 60 finished the initial entry level training course today,” said Dana Turner, Oregon Department of Forestry’s assistant camp manager. “Another 60 finished the refresher training course, called RT-130. So, all together we will have approximately 120 AICs ready for fire season.”

Those 120 AICs account for nearly everyone currently assigned to the camp. South Fork Forest Camp, which is jointly operated and funded by the Oregon Departments of Corrections and Forestry, is the only institution of its kind in Oregon and has been going strong for 74 years. To get to this fenceless minimum-security facility, AICs go through a selection committee while they are at other correctional institutions and need to have less than five years remaining on their sentence. The camp’s maximum capacity is 200.

In addition to firefighting, South Fork AICs work hard in Oregon’s state forests helping ODF with reforestation, maintenance on trails and campgrounds, road maintenance, construction projects, trash clean up and many other activities. However, it’s fire season many of the AICs look forward to.

“Being on a hand crew fighting a fire is a lot of work but very rewarding,” said Flynn Lovejoy, an AIC at the camp who is ready for his second fire season. “Whether it’s initial attack or mopping up while preforming well with your crew, it’s something you are proud of. Just knowing you are making a difference.”

South Fork crews did make a difference during last year’s fire season as they responded to 18 incidents and contributed 1,500 man-days fighting wildfires. 

Making a difference for the men who complete their sentences is also an important goal of camp staff.

“The skills and experience they get here help them now and in the future,” said Turner. “They can tell their kids they are firefighters and not just doing time. Then when they leave here, they have more opportunities. For example, we have multiple former AICs that went through South Fork that are working for ODF this year as seasonal firefighters. Others are also set up for success in finding jobs in other companies that use the skills they get here.”

And it’s not just the practical skills taught at South Fork, but the soft skills that help former AICs have a successful future.

“They have a unique opportunity to aid people in need and rebuild a connection to community while here,” said Jason Hanson, DOC superintendent of SFFC and the Columbia River Correctional Facility. “Whether it’s protecting communities from wildfire or using their CPR skills to help someone having a medical emergency in the forest, this sets the stage for them to not only leave institutional life but leave and reestablish successfully back in their communities.”

Hanson contributes SFFC’s success to both departments’ people.

“We have a great partnership here,” said Hanson. “The relationship between both departments is strong, as we strive to understand each other’s mission and work together all for the benefit of setting up the AICs for success after they leave here.”

For more on SFFC see: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/forestbenefits/pages/rehabilitation.aspx

https://www.oregon.gov/doc/about/pages/prison-locations.aspx

For wildfire prevention information see:

https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/fireprevention.aspx

Regional Forest Practice Committee For Eastern Oregon Meets May 22 -05/15/25

SALEM, Ore. — The Regional Forest Practice Committee for eastern Oregon will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 22 at the WorkSource Oregon, 408 SE 7th Street in Pendleton. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please email forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Division and agency updates
• HCP status
• Compliance Monitoring Project update
• Operator of the Year Program revisions
• All streams crossing technical guidance review & technical guidance update

The public may attend in-person or online via Teams. Public comments will be accepted. Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

Regional Forest Practices Committees are panels of citizens – mandated under Oregon law – that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry and may assist the Board of Forestry in developing appropriate forest practice rules. The committees are comprised of citizens qualified by education or experience in natural resource management. In 1971, the legislature enacted Oregon’s Forest Practices Act which includes three Regional Forest Practices Committees, serving the Eastern, Northwest, and Southwest regions of the state. Under Oregon law, a majority of the committees’ members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.

Oregon’s forests are among the state’s most valued resources, providing a balanced mix of environmental, economic, and social benefits. View more information on the RFPC webpage.