UPDATE — The Oregon Board of Forestry will be extending the time allotted for public comment during its June 7 meeting in Sisters, OR, due to the high volume of Oregonians who signed up to speak to the board on a variety of topics. The meeting will now start at 8 a.m. at the FivePine Lodge, South Sister Room. View the amended agenda for the meeting.
SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet in Sisters, with a public meeting and community social scheduled on Wednesday, June 7, and the public meeting reconvenes on June 8. All events are open to the public.
The public meetings will be held at FivePine Lodge, South Sister Room – 1021 Desperado Trail, Sisters, OR, 97759. The June 7 meeting begins at 8 a.m. and the June 8 meeting begins at 8 a.m. There will not be a virtual option for the community social, but the meetings will be livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel.
The board’s business agenda includes:
- Forest patrol assessment hearings for Jackson County
- Forest Protection Association budgets
- Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee testimony
- 2023 Legislative session update
- Fire season readiness
- 20-Year Landscape Resiliency Strategy update
- Forestry Program for Oregon planning work session
- Board and agency organizational governance work session
The full agenda is available on the board’s webpage. Live testimony is available for item #1, state forester and board member comments, and item #4, Forest Protection Association budgets. Sign-up is required and instructions to provide live testimony are available online. Sign-up closes Friday, June 2 at 5 p.m. Written public testimony will also be accepted. Written comments can be submitted before or up to two weeks after the meeting day to boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov with the appropriate agenda item included with the submission.
On June 7 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the board and department will host a community social. This informal event is open to the public for in-person attendance at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Department, Community Room – 301 South Elm Street, Sisters, OR, 97759. An RSVP is not required, but encouraged, as spacing and parking are limited. Please RSVP to boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov.
Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 72 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.
SALEM, Ore.—Forest Practices Act (FPA) rule changes aim to provide regulatory certainty and to protect fish and wildlife. On January 1, 2024, the steep slopes rules go into effect. In 2022 the Oregon Legislature directed the Board of Forestry to make about 110 FPA rule changes. Part of those rule changes address harvesting on steep slopes. These rules require foresters and those planning timber harvests to receive steep slopes certification training.
This specialized training will focus on the Western Oregon steep slopes model outputs and how to determine the no harvest boundaries for steep slopes. The Oregon Department of Forestry will hold the following certification classes:
June 14, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Roseburg
June 16, Holiday Inn, Wilsonville
June 20, Comfort Suites, Albany
Please register on the Oregon Department of Forestry website.
The new laws require this certification for large forestland owners, those who own 5,000 or more acres of forestland. Qualifying small forestland owners don’t need this certification. The goal is to help people follow the rules intended to improve fish and wildlife habitat in and around streams.
The main reason to keep trees on certain steep slopes is to allow natural landslides to deliver large wood and sediment to streams over time and ultimately improve aquatic habitat. Human activities on the landscape can influence the timing and size of landslides, the amount of large wood that is available for future delivery to streams, and can increase the amount of sediment delivered to a stream.
Increased amounts of sediment can adversely impact fish and other species. Sediment can fill in gravel beds for spawning, reduce food availability and impact a fish’s ability to see prey. Large wood from landslides creates vital habitat and protection for fish and other creatures.
The steep slopes rules only apply to Western Oregon, which informed the selection of training locations. If there is more demand than seats available, the department will offer more classes to meet the need.
SALEM, Ore. — The Emergency Fire Cost Committee will meet in the Tillamook Room, Building C, Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State Street in Salem on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 10 a.m. A virtual option will be available via Zoom video conference, which can be found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please contact Chrystal Bader at 503-945-7220.
The committee’s agenda includes:
- Financial status of the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund
- Annual audit report
- Weather update
- Update on status of large fire cost collection efforts
- Strategic investments
- Administrative Branch/Fire Protection Division reports
- EFCC Administrator report
The meeting is open to the public to attend either in-person or virtually via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the end of the meeting as noted on the agenda. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 72 hours before the meeting by contacting Chrystal Bader at 503-945-7220.
The Emergency Fire Cost Committee oversees the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund (OFLPF), established by the Oregon Legislature as an insurance fund with the purpose of equalizing emergency fire suppression costs among the various Oregon Department of Forestry protection districts. The emergency funding system is designed to operate as an insurance policy whereby all districts contribute (pay premiums) into the fund so that money will be available to any individual district to pay fire suppression costs on emergency fires. View more information on the EFCC webpage.
SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) seeks peer-reviewed scientific journal articles about post-disturbance timber harvest — also known as salvage logging. ODF will use relevant articles to conduct a literature review.
Oregon Senate Bill 1501 directed ODF to make rules related to post-disturbance harvest. A disturbance could be a wildfire, a natural disaster, an extreme weather event, an insect infestation, or a disease outbreak. As part of the process, the Board of Forestry will determine if current post-disturbance harvest rules meet the requirements of Oregon Revised Statue (ORS) 527.714(1)(c) and the Private Forest Accord report.
The literature review will help inform the board about post-disturbance harvest rulemaking needs. As part of the literature review, the department is:
- Reviewing the best possible science.
- Reaching out to experts in the field for additional information.
- Ensuring the public has an opportunity to provide relevant scientific information.
The three main topics ODF is asking the public to send peer-reviewed journal articles about are:
- The effects of post-disturbance harvest on streamside areas and aquatic systems.
- Post-disturbance ecology.
- Post-disturbance natural regeneration.
The public can submit articles from June 2 through June 22 via email at odf.frdrules@odf.oregon.gov or via postal mail to: Attn: Elise Chiba, Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State Street, Salem, OR 97310.
After completing the literature review, ODF will report the findings to the board in early 2024. The board will then determine whether to start drafting rules or decide that the current rules suffice.
See ODF’s webpages for more information on the Private Forest Accord and Forest Practices Act.
Updated: The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee on Friday, May 26 has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 25 in Salem.
SALEM, Ore.—The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee meets May 26 at 10 a.m. at ODF headquarters in Salem, with a virtual participation & viewing option via Zoom.
The public meeting will be held in the Tillamook Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State Street in Salem. For virtual viewing & participation, use this Zoom link https://odf.zoom.us/j/98745838963. The meeting agenda with links to reference materials is posted on the department’s website.
Agenda items will include:
- Update on the status of Forest Management Plan modeling
- Formulate testimony for June Board of Forestry meeting
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.
Questions about accessibility or special accommodations can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at least 24 hours prior to the meeting at 503-945-7200.
SALEM, Ore.—The Northwest and Southwest Regional Forest Practice Committees will meet May 23 from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The Eastern Oregon Regional Forest Practice Committee will also meet May 23 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Both meetings are virtual and have separate Zoom links.
Northwest and Southwest Regional Forest Practice Committee
To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.
The agenda includes:
- Forest Resources Division update
- Committee member recruitment process
- Forest Practices Act and small forestland owner training program update
- Operator of the Year nominations
- Post disturbance rule making process update
- Forest practices technical guidance update
Eastern Oregon Regional Forest Practice Committee
To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.
The agenda includes:
- Forest Resources Division update
- Committee member recruitment process
- Future of Oregon Senate Bill 762
- Forest Practices Act and small forestland owner training program update
- Forest practices technical guidance update
- Habitat Conservation Plan update
- Operator of the Year nominations
Regional Forest Practice Committees are panels of citizens—mandated under Oregon law—that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. Three Regional Forest Practice Committees serving the Northwest, Southwest and Eastern regions of the state, were created by the 1971 Oregon Forest Practices Act. Under Oregon law, a majority of Regional Forest Practice Committees’ members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies. View more information on the RFPC webpage.
The meetings are open to the public via Zoom. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by emailing: forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.
SALEM, Ore. – An Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) state forests advisory group will host a tour of forestland in the Santiam State Forest on June 1 and meet on June 2 in Salem, and the meeting will have a virtual option via Zoom.
The public is welcome at both events, hosted by the State Forests Advisory Committee (SFAC). However, RSVP is required for the forest tour. The meeting agenda will be posted at http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/SFAC.aspx.
Tour details
Forest Tour: Meets at 9 a.m. on June 1 at the ODF facility in Lyons, 22965 North Fork Road SE, Lyons, OR 97358. Tour will visit areas in the Santiam State Forest, some affected by 2020 Labor Day fires. RSVP is needed for the forest tour so that attendees can be provided with safety equipment. Tour attendees should provide their own lunch, refreshments and transportation suitable for traveling on forest roads. Please RSVP no later than 5 p.m., May 26 to April Sonnenberg at april.r.sonnenberg@odf.oregon.gov or 503-359-7426.
Meeting details
SFAC meeting: The committee will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on June 2, at the ODF Salem Headquarters, Tillamook Room, Building C, 2600 State St. Topics on the agenda include: update on the revisions to state forest Implementation Plans, progress update on the draft Habitat Conservation Plan and Forest Management Plan for western Oregon state forests, a review of the Annual Operations Plans and public comment period and an overview of the Private Forest Accord implementation on state forests. The public will have the opportunity to provide comments virtually or in person at the beginning of the meeting.
SFAC’s role
The State Forests Advisory Committee (SFAC) includes citizens and representatives of timber, environmental and recreation groups. SFAC provides a forum to discuss issues, opportunities and concerns, and offer advice and guidance to ODF on the implementation of the Northwest Oregon State Forests Management Plan. The plan provides guidance for managing 616,000 acres within the Tillamook, Clatsop and Santiam State Forests, and several scattered state-owned forest tracts in Benton, Polk, Lincoln and Lane counties through a balanced approach to generate revenue while prioritizing environmental and social benefits.
The committee’s meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. Many of the tour stops are not accessible. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Questions about accessibility or special accommodation for the meeting can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at (503) 983-3761
SALEM, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has been working to reopen some of the recreation trails and facilities in the Santiam State Forest after many were severely impacted by the 2020 Beachie Creek Fire that burned nearly 192,000 acres.
On July 1, 2022, ODF reopened Monument Peak Trail System, Santiam Horse Camp, Rock Creek Campground, and the Natural Arch and Rocky Top Trails.
However, others remain closed including the most visited site in the Santiam State Forest—Shellburg Falls. It was one of the areas most impacted by the fires.
“In the falls area the fire destroyed bridges, trail erosion protections, stairs, and other wooden infrastructure critical for the safety of trail users and protection of the environment,” said Mike Wilson, ODF State Forests Division Chief.
In 2021 and 2022 ODF did post-fire timber harvesting and roadside hazard mitigation for safety and to improve the survival and health of the remaining trees in the area. ODF also replanted trees for the future of the forested area.
ODF originally anticipated that the Shellburg Falls area would reopen by now. However, the process has taken longer, largely due to the limited resources available to conduct operations across the entire affected landscape, including on neighboring landowners who were conducting similar operations trying to recover after the fire.
Since the fire, the ODF has been planning and budgeting for reconstruction and improvements to the Shellburg Falls area. Projects include replacement of two bridges, rerouting portions of the trail to eliminate the use of wooden stairs and improvements to the trails themselves to reduce environmental impacts.
The small overnight camping area with seven sites will not be reconstructed mainly due to fire safety concerns for the remaining trees, but there will be a day use picnic area with vault toilets. The entire area will be for day use only with four separate parking areas.
The reconstruction budget is modest for such a large project, estimated to be around $100,000.
“We are able to realize lower costs due to labor and work crews from the South Fork Forest Camp and the generous efforts of local area volunteer groups,” said Wilson.
South Fork Forest Camp is run jointly by the Department of Corrections and ODF to provide adults in custody work skills and at the same time to improve public services like firefighting and forest trail construction.
The big question from the public is when will Shellburg Falls day use area reopen?
“Unfortunately, with fire season already here and special requirements to protect sensitive areas during reconstruction we are hopeful that the area will be open later this year,” said Wilson. “September would be the most optimistic date, but it very well could reopen later—even some time in 2024. It just depends on how fast the work gets done and if we run into unexpected issues.”
Also still closed are recreation facilities in the northern block of the Santiam mainly due to ongoing work to remove fire-killed trees that pose a threat to public safety. However, ODF is anticipating those areas will open later this fall if the work stays on schedule this summer.
- To find out more about the Santiam State Forest recovery work go to Restoring the Santiam.
- To find out more about the status and location of trails, campgrounds, boat launches and day use areas on all of Oregon’s state forests check out the State Forests Recreation, Education, and Interpretation website.
- To learn in person about Oregon’s State Forests visit the Tillamook Forest Center.
LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. – Lake Oswego resident Terrence Flanagan is the 2023 recipient of Oregon Community Trees’ (OCT) highest annual honor - its President’s Award. OCT is recognizing Flanagan for his more than four decades of exceptional contributions and achievements in urban and community forestry in Oregon and the world
In selecting Flanagan for the Award, OCT President Mike Oxendine emphasized his pivotal role, saying, "I feel like I run into Terry at every arboriculture or urban forestry event I attend, and he is always helping, volunteering, or sponsoring the event. Terry is a crucial leader in Oregon's urban forestry and arboriculture fields, and we are lucky to have his support and passion. His dedication is leaving an enduring impact on the profession.”
Flanagan has been an ISA-certified arborist since 1981. His other credentials include:
- Board Certified Master Arborist
- Qualified Tree Risk Assessor
- Certified Municipal Specialist
- Certified Tree Worker
- Certified Aerial Lift Specialist
- ISA Qualified Trainer
Flanagan worked for many years with Beaverton-based General Tree Service before he left
in 2000 to found his own tree care consultancy, Teragan and Associates, Inc. His vision was to offer clients tree management guided by leading-edge research.
As his company’s Principal Consultant, Flanagan has guided the appropriate management of trees, shrubs and other horticultural plants on commercial, municipal, and residential properties. Recently, he worked with Oswego Lake Country Club to improve fairways while minimizing tree removal on this nearly 100-year-old golf course.
Flanagan has served the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) in several capacities. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2000 and has served as a member of the Certification Board of Directors since 2005. He has been Chair to the Tree Risk Qualification Panel of Experts and was instrumental in the launch of the ISA's Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) that is now the global standard for evaluating risk associated with trees.
Flanagan was the Pacific Northwest Regional Education Coordinator for arborist professional development and served for many years on the Board and other positions for the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain ISA chapters.
He chaired ISA’s International Conference when it was held in Portland in 2012. From 2013 to 2014, he was elected ISA President, spending a great deal of time traveling and serving tree professionals and communities as far afield as China and New Zealand.
For 10 years Flanagan was also an instructor in the Horticulture program at Clackamas Community College, where he taught Arboriculture (a program he developed at the college), as well as Pruning, Tree Climbing, Landscape Installation and Chainsaw Use and Maintenance.
Tom Feitl works with Flanagan. Reflecting on his impact, Feitl said, "Terry has been an incredible mentor and inspiration to those who have had the opportunity to learn from him."
Peter van Oss, Senior Associate at Teragan & Associates Inc., commended Flanagan’s unwavering commitment, stating, "Terry has dedicated his life to the arboricultural industry. Many of us have had the pleasure and privilege to gain knowledge and experience from him. He is a great mentor in the tree industry, an outstanding, and incredibly valuable asset worldwide."
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Eugene, Ore.—After several lightning strikes last night, the Oregon Department of Forestry succeeded in stopping progression on a fire between Sharps Creek and Mosby due to a detection camera installed last fall. The camera was purchased through SB 762 funding. The early detection and fast response to this fire would not have been possible prior to SB 762’s investment in the Oregon Department of Forestry’s camera detection system.
The fire was detected via the camera around 5:30 p.m. Monday evening, after staff from the property left, at which point two engines responded alongside landowner resources. Firefighters had the fire under control by 8 p.m. The fire ended up being a half-acre in size, but if left undetected it could have been a much larger, more damaging, and expensive fire by morning.
“This fire was right on the edge of a unit and could have been significantly bigger had it not been detected until today.” Chris Cline, South Cascade District Forester, said. “I’m super happy for the quick and effective result and look forward to getting additional cameras on-line as soon as possible.”
Early detection investments through SB 762 included the expansion of ODF’s detection camera system. Over the last two years, the department has been strategically adding new cameras throughout the state to cover the most area per camera. Currently, ODF has 93 cameras at 68 sites across Oregon. Through SB 762’s expansion of early detection resources, the department can reduce resource loss and the overall cost of a fire.
These cameras can monitor hundreds, if not thousands, of acres of land. The software is designed to notify the operator when smoke is on the landscape, however, the operator can also spot the smoke before the system notifies them. Using an augmented mapping system, the approximate location of the potential fire is sent to dispatchers, who then relay the information in real-time to the resources that are responding. This system allows for early detection and fast response to a fire and sets the department up for success in keeping wildfires under 10 acres. Suppressing wildfires at 10 acres or less dramatically reduces the cost and minimizes property loss.
With the continued high temperatures and dry conditions this week, ODF remains ready to respond to wildfires and wildfire prevention is key. Now is the time for Oregonians to actively practice wildfire prevention. This includes waiting to burn debris, recreating responsibly, and not parking over dried grass. For more information on wildfire prevention, visit keeporegongreen.org.
PORTLAND, Ore. – Sponsors of this year’s Urban and Community Forestry Conference were announced today by conference organizers Oregon Community Trees, Oregon Department of Forestry and the US Forest Service.
Portland Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry has signed on as presenting sponsor for the conference, Oregon’s largest annual urban forestry conference. The June 1st event will be the first time the conference will be held in person since 2019 due to the pandemic. Location is Miller Hall at the World Forestry Center in Portland.
Other sponsors so far include:
- Bartlett Tree Experts
- Cleanwater Services of Washington County
- Community Forestry Solutions (formerly Treecology)
- Davey Tree Service, Portland office
- Friends of Trees
- J. Frank Schmidt and Son Company of Boring
- Oregon Chapter of the American Planning Association
- Oregon State University Foundation
- Rainbow Ecoscience based in Minnesota
- Teragan and Associates, Inc. of Lake Oswego
“What’s Bugging Our Trees” is the title of this year’s conference. Presenters will focus on insect pests threatening Oregon urban and natural forests, with special emphasis on emerald ash borer and how communities can prepare to cope with this tree-killing insect.
Karen Ripley from the U.S. Forest Service will provide an overall context for why increasing global trade and climate change are making forest pest introductions more frequent. Invasive Species Specialist Wyatt Williams from the Oregon Dept. of Forestry will describe the EAB infestation in Oregon, what its predicted to do, and steps the state, federal and local governments are taking in collaboration with land management organizations, tree care companies, and others in response. He’ll also highlight newer threats emerging on the horizon.
US Forest Service Forest Researcher Geoffrey Donovan will share his research that tree canopy loss or increase is associated with people dying in larger or smaller numbers than would otherwise be the case. And Russell Clark from PlanIt Geo will describe how a free software being made available by ODF through a federal grant can help communities assess their vulnerability to EAB and other pests and diseases of trees.
Panels will discuss treatment versus removal of ash trees, innovative ideas for what to do with all the ash wood that will soon need disposal in Oregon, and suitable replacements for ash trees in urban and natural areas.
Tickets are still available at https://octconference.mystrikingly.com/ ,where a full agenda and speaker bios and photos can be viewed along with continuing education credits.
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SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will hold a hybrid meeting Monday, May 22, at noon. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. To attend in-person, go to the ODF Headquarters, Building C, Clatsop Conference Room, 2600 State Street, Salem.
The committee’s agenda includes:
- Discuss public meetings and public records laws
- Develop initial list of AMPC research topics
- Finalize AMPC charter
The meeting is open to the public to attend in person and online via Zoom. 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 before the meeting by emailing adaptivemanagementprogram@odf.oregon.gov.
The 13-member committee The 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 (IRST) implements. View more information on the AMPC webpage.
SALEM, Ore. — The Forestry Program for Oregon Subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, May 17 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.
The subcommittee’s agenda includes:
- Forestry Program for Oregon (FPFO) content development
- Process next steps
Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.
Subcommittee purpose: Collaborative work forum for board and agency leadership to advance efforts to jointly develop a modern Forestry Program for Oregon (FPFO). The subcommittee will serve until completion of the FPFO, targeted for December 2023. Read more information about the subcommittee.
SALEM, Ore. — The Compliance Monitoring Program Committee will hold a virtual meeting Tuesday, May 16, from 10 to noon. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.
This will be the committee’s second meeting and the agenda includes:
- Program updates
- Reforestation study discussion
- Revised rules status
- Charter development
The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by emailing: christina.n.helige@odf.oregon.gov.
The CMP Committee assists efforts to monitor compliance with Forest Practices Rules. The committee advises ODF regarding monitoring projects and procedures.
SALEM, Ore. – Today, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is deploying 22 firefighters to Alberta, Canada through the Northwest Compact to provide extra support in fighting their wildfires. The Northwest Compact is a mutual assistance agreement that allows five northwest states, including Oregon, and five NW Canadian provinces and territories to easily share resources with one another, creating a larger and more comprehensive fire management system.
Currently, Alberta is experiencing an influx of fire activity with over 100 active wildfires across the province. Of those, at least 14 are larger wildfires. The province has been experiencing an immense amount of lightning and high winds paired with dryer and warmer conditions as we transition into summer, and their resources are becoming more strained as the wildfires and evacuations continue.
The ODF team will be on a standard, two-week deployment in Alberta and will return with new knowledge on firefighting tactics, refined skills and stronger relationships with our partners up north.
“Fire is a family, no matter if it’s in the U.S. or Canada, and we’re here to help,” said Mike Shaw, ODF’s Fire Protection Division Chief. “But keep in mind that, before committing to any deployment, we make sure that our own fire management system is prepared and ready to respond to fires here in Oregon.”
In its 25th year, the Northwest Compact was created to facilitate assistance in wildland fire pre-suppression and suppression efforts between member agencies. Member agencies include Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana as well as the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
The relationships built through the Northwest Compact benefit Oregon equally when our fire season hits its peak and has for decades. For example:
- Last year during the Double Creek Fire, four resources came to Oregon from British Columbia to help.
- During the 2020 Labor Day wildfires, more than 7,500 personnel from multiple Canadian provinces and 39 states answered Oregon’s call.
- In 2017, several Canadian firefighters assisted Oregon in preparing for the solar eclipse and responding to the Chetco Bar Fire.
“By creating a cache of reciprocal resources, both Oregon and Alberta can benefit from each other when fire seasons hit hard and resources become strained,” Blake Ellis, Fire Operations Manager for the Fire Protection Division, said.
SALEM, OR – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and other fire prevention experts urge the public to exercise caution when disposing of yard debris this spring. With fires already occurring in the state, particularly in the Southwest and Central Oregon District, Oregonians need to keep fire prevention at the top of their mind.
Now is a great time to trim trees and bushes, and tidy up plants around your home to create a “defensible space” around your property. Defensible space creates a buffer around your home that can help protect your home from catching fire and provides firefighters with a safe space to work from.
After your clean up, you will have a lot to dispose of. Debris burning is the leading human-related fire cause on ODF-protected lands, so as you begin this spring clean-up, the Oregon Department of Forestry and Keep Oregon Green urge you to put some extra thought into how you want to dispose of your yard debris.
Considering alternatives to burning like composting, chipping, or slowly disposing of it via your yard debris bin (if you have one) helps to prevent wildfire in your area. Check with your local disposal company for recycling options. By choosing an alternative disposal method, or burning under safe conditions outside of fire season, you can help significantly reduce the risk of a wildfire.
If you would still prefer to burn your yard debris, consider waiting until the rainy fall and winter seasons. Delaying your burn plans will give the debris more time to cure and avoid holdover fires when the weather gets hotter and drier over the next several weeks. You can cover part of the pile with plastic to preserve a dry area to start your fire.
If burning now is the only option to dispose of yard debris, fire prevention specialists ask people to follow safe burning practices. The following tips can help stop runaway burn piles:
- Call before you burn – Burning regulations vary by location depending on the weather and fuel conditions. If you are planning to burn, check with your local ODF district, fire protective association, fire department, or air protection authority to learn about current burning restrictions or regulations, and if you need a permit.
- Stay with the fire until it is out cold – NEVER leave your debris burn unattended. State laws requires monitoring of debris burn piles from start to finish until it is out cold. This law is intended to ensure sparks or embers that jump from the fire can be put out quickly.
- Know the weather – Burn early in the day and never burn on dry or windy days, because fires can spread out of control more easily.
- Clear a 10-foot fuel-free buffer around the pile – Make sure there are no tree branches or power lines above.
- Keep burn piles small – Large burn piles can cast hot embers long distances. Keep piles small, maximum of four feet by four feet. Add debris to the pile in small amounts as the pile burns.
- Always have water and fire tools nearby – When burning, have a charged water hose or a bucket of water, and shovel on hand to put out the fire. Drown the pile with water, stir the coals, and drown again, repeating until the fire is cold to the touch.
- Go back and check burn piles. They can retain heat for several weeks and restart when the weather warms up and winds blow.
- Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to start or speed up your fire.
- Burn only yard debris – State laws prohibit burning materials or trash that create dense smoke or noxious odors.
- Costs of runaway debris burns– State law requires the proper clearing, building, attending and extinguishing of open fires all year. If your debris burn spreads out of control, you may have to pay for suppression costs, as well as the damage to your neighbors’ properties, which can be extremely expensive.
More tips on wildfire prevention, including campfire safety, motorized equipment use, and fire-resistant landscaping can be found on the Keep Oregon Green website. Check the public use restrictions for Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands before you burn.