Salem, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) held a public training session covering new rules regarding streams and roads to help forestland owners prepare for changes to the Forest Practices Act (FPA) that go into effect Jan. 1.
“This training explains changes to the Forest Practices Act for owners of large and small forestland tracts. Although there is a focus on stream buffer and road assessment rule changes, the training provides an overview of other rule changes and new programs too,” said Forest Resource Policy, Training, and Enforcement Manager Megan Cogswell.
Visit the Forest Practices Act webpage to:
- view a recorded version of an earlier session of the Streams and Roads training.
- view a factsheet summarizing key dates and changes called New Forest Practices Rules.
Small forestland owners who need assistance or resources can contact ODF’s new Small Forestland Owner Office. “Small forestland owners” are described as owning less than 5,000 acres and harvesting 2,000 million board feet on average per year over a three-year period. There are specific programs available for landowners who qualify, including the Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat (SFISH) and the Forest Conservation Tax Credit. Contact the SFO office at: smallforestlandowneroffice@odf.oregon.gov, or use the ODF “Find a Forester” tool.
Astoria, Ore.— The C.J. Reed Arboretum located at the Oregon Department of Forestry Astoria main district office now has 40 new interactive tree identification signs thanks to a grant from the Society of American Foresters (SAF). The project was completed by members of the SAF Tillamook-Clatsop chapter.
The signs were designed by Oregon Forest Resources Institute and made by Oregon Corrections Enterprises. Each sign has a QR code that leads to a website for more information about the specific tree species.
The arboretum was developed in the 1960’s by the Department of Forestry foresters and is named after Chet Reed, the district forester who served in Astoria from 1955 to 1978. The arboretum is also next to walking trails through the demonstration forest. The self-guided demonstration forest is a mile of hiking trails to help visitors learn about basic forestry practices and enjoy interpretive exhibits that explain how active management of timber stands benefit Oregon’s state forests.
The arboretum and demonstration forest trails are open to the public year-round, 7 days a week from dawn until dusk. More information can be found in the Clatsop State Forest Guide.
SAF is a professional organization of foresters whose mission is to advance sustainable management of forest resources through science, education, and technology; to enhance the competency of its members; to establish professional excellence; and to use their knowledge, skills, and conservation ethic to ensure the continued health, integrity, and use of forests to benefit society in perpetuity. More information can be found here.
Tillamook, Ore.— This fall 30 adults in custody (AICs) from South Fork Forest Camp helped build a bridge on the newest section of the Wilson River Trail in the Tillamook State Forest. The bridge connects the eastern end of Wilson River trail to Drift Creek trailhead.
Once opened, this will create a hiking experience for trail users that connects over 30 miles of non-motorized trails in the Tillamook State Forest. There are still about four miles for trails to build before this section can open. “The goal is to have the trail and bridge open to the public in the fall of 2024,” said Joe Offer, ODF’s Recreation Program Manager.
Since 1951, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has partnered with Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) in jointly operating South Fork Forest Camp, which houses AICs who assist in performing a variety of key forest management functions which include:
- fire suppression
- reforestation
- pre-commercial thinning
- maintenance of recreation buildings
- forest road improvement
- invasive weed removal and riparian rehabilitation
- making wooden signs for all state forests and campgrounds.
This interagency partnership allows AICs to gain valuable work skills while supporting ODF’s management of state forests and statewide fire suppression efforts.
South Fork Forest Camp can house up to 200 AICs and is located on state forest land about 28 miles east of Tillamook, OR.
Learn more about the South Fork Forest Camp here.
Learn more about Oregon’s state forests here.
SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30 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 Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.
The committee’s agenda includes:
- 2023 year in review
- 2024 work plan
- Roads research question package
- 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.—Though fire season has subsided in Oregon, other parts of the country are strained for resources as they hit their peak. In the last week, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) sent 68 firefighters to Kentucky and 10 firefighters to North Carolina to assist in their fire suppression efforts. The department is planning on sending more firefighters this week to both states.
The resources went to Kentucky and North Carolina under mutual assistance agreements between the states. Those sent out of state range from incident management team (IMT) members to single resources, which can be an individual, a piece of equipment and its personnel complement, or a crew/team of individuals. giving a wide variety of help to our partner states.
When wildfire activity is low in Oregon, such as during our rainy fall, firefighters can be spared to help in places experiencing high levels of wildfire. Before committing to any deployment, ODF makes sure that our own fire management system is prepared and ready to respond to fires here in Oregon.
Sending our firefighters on these out-of-state deployments helps them build relationships outside of our organization, learn new suppression tactics and gives them the opportunity to fight fire in a different landscape. These off-season deployments help keep their skills sharp and come back to Oregon with new knowledge that can be applied to our future fire seasons.
“During our peak season, Oregon can and has called on other states to send firefighters and equipment when wildfires exceed our local capacity. The hope with these deployments is to build strong relationships so when we need help, other states will answer our call to action” Blake Ellis, fire operations manager, said.
During the 2023 fire season, Oregon received over 80 firefighters from out of state to help with ODF fire support and the Tyee Ridge Complex.
This is all done through mutual assistance agreements with other states, including Alaska and NW Canadian territories, creating a cache of reciprocal resources and a larger, comprehensive fire management system. This is called the complete and coordinated fire system.
SALEM, Ore. — The Forestry Program for Oregon Subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.
The subcommittee’s agenda includes:
- Vision for Oregon’s Forests (“FPFO”) content development
- Next steps discussion
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 conceptual FPFO, targeted for December 2023. Read more information about the subcommittee.