Committee For Family Forestlands Meets Sept. 17 - 09/10/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 10, 2025

Contact: Heather Hendersen, committee assistant, committee.of.family.forestlands@odf.oregon.gov

SALEM, Ore. — The Committee for Family Forestlands (CFF) will meet virtually on Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the meeting agenda on the  CFF web page. 

The morning agenda includes an opportunity for public comment followed by updates regarding:

• Forest Resources Division

• Small Forestland Owner (SFO) Assistance and Incentives

• SFO Office Training

• SFISH/SFO Support and Forest Health

• Board of Forestry.

Scheduled after lunch is:
 

• Discussion of the open conservation position

• A presentation by committee member Dave Bugni: “Where’s My Newly Replanted Forest? The importance of Attaining Free-to-Grow Status”

• Roundtable discussion.
   

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Teams. 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 13-member committee researches policies that affect family forests, natural resources and forestry benefits. Based on its findings, the committee recommends actions to the Oregon Board of Forestry and the State Forester. View more information on the CFF web page. 

As Expected, Emerald Ash Borer Has Been Found In Multiple New Sites This Summer, Including Portland - 09/10/25

PORTLAND, Ore. – Emerald ash borer (EAB) is a tiny green beetle from eastern Asia that is having a devastating impact on ash trees in North America, including northwest Oregon.  Across the U.S., millions of ash trees have been killed by the larvae of this pest. The larvae eat tissues under the bark, eventually killing infested trees.

First found in Oregon in 2022 at a school in Forest Grove, this summer the beetle showed up in traps in six new areas. Five of the sites were within the existing EAB quarantine boundary.

A trap was placed this summer at a sixth site in Multnomah County after Peter Van Oss, a private arborist with Teragan and Associates, noticed an ailing green ash tree in the parking lot of the David Douglas Aquatics Center in the Hazelwood-Mill Park area. Van Oss suspected it might be infested with EAB and alerted officials.

City and state officials then inspected the tree Van Oss had reported and saw signs of EAB infestation, such as dieback at the top and serpentine gallery marks under the bark. A single adult insect was trapped and sent to the United States Department of Agriculture, specifically to the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service’s Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory in Maryland, which confirmed it was EAB.

The other new sites where EAB was found this summer are:

• Hazeldale Park about a mile west of Beaverton
• Killin Wetlands Nature Park near Banks in western Washington County
• Five miles northwest of the town of Yamhill in Yamhill County
• Three miles southeast of Oregon City in Clackamas County
• Bureau of Land Management-administered land east of Scotts Mills in Clackamas County

“The pattern of spread in the eastern U.S. has been that populations at first increase slowly and the rate of natural spread is slow,” said Cody Holthouse, Manager of the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture’s Insect Pest Prevention and Management Program. “But within a few years there is a rapid build-up in the population and it spreads in all directions at a faster pace. That’s exactly what we’re starting to see with these detections.”

Holthouse said EAB is about half an inch in length and is hard to spot with the naked eye. It is not strongly attracted to traps, making early detections in novel locations difficult. “Finding one in a trap usually means there are quite a few already in that area,” he said.

Holthouse said the discovery in southeast Portland puts all of Multnomah County into the EAB quarantine zone. Other quarantined counties include Clackamas, Washington, Marion, and Yamhill counties.

“Quarantine is designed to prevent humans from spreading EAB by limiting movement of firewood or any other plant materials from ash, olive or white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus),” said Holthouse.

A full list of quarantine regulations can be found here.

The City of Portland has been preparing for EAB’s arrival for years. It removed ash trees from its list of approved street trees in 2019. It completed a comprehensive response plan for dealing with EAB earlier this summer. 

 "Our approach to managing Portland’s urban canopy is rooted in community stewardship, science and long-term resilience," says City Forester Jenn Cairo. "By working with Portlanders to inventory trees and educate folks about best practices, and intentionally planting a diverse range of tree species, we’re building a more adaptable canopy, one that’s better equipped to withstand threats like the Emerald Ash Borer and other invasive pests. This proactive strategy helps safeguard the health of our urban forest for generations to come." 

For the past few summers, the Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF), in collaboration with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, made sticky purple traps available to numerous public land managers and soil and water conservation districts that agreed to place and monitor the traps.

“Traps contain a lure and are checked periodically during the summer when adult EAB are flying. It was in those traps that the beetles were found,” said ODF Invasive Species Specialist Wyatt Williams.

While it’s possible EAB could turn up in more traps when they are checked in September, Williams said most adults will have finished their short life cycle, laid their eggs, and died by October or November.

“At that point, further spread is almost entirely by humans moving firewood,” said Williams. “That’s why it’s recommended you buy or cut firewood within 10 miles of where you plan to burn it.”

Public agencies in Washington County, where EAB was first detected three years ago, have been preparing for its spread beyond Forest Grove. For example:

• Beaverton is protecting nearly 500 ash street trees in good condition by injecting them with emamectin benzoate. This systemic insecticide has proven very effective at preventing infestation by EAB while being safe for humans, pets, and wildlife, including pollinators.
• Hillsboro is conducting a tree inventory of public and right-of-way trees. This data will help locate ash tree populations and inform the city’s EAB response plan. To protect its ash trees, Hillsboro will also be treating approximately 500 healthy public ash trees along the western and southern city boundary. This will create a buffer zone from current outbreaks as a phase one response plan.

Outside Washington County:

• Salem has been treating high-value public ash trees to protect them ahead of EAB’s arrival.
• Keizer, with help from ODF, is inventorying its street trees to find how many are ash.
• Portland recently completed its EAB response plan, which among other things involves the treatment of public trees in good condition in low-canopy neighborhoods, and the pre-emptive removal of ash trees in poor condition to spread the cost out over several years.

What you can do

If you think you’ve seen an emerald ash borer, ODF and ODA ask that you first make sure it’s not a common look-alike bug.

“You can find a good description and photos comparing EAB to other common insects in Oregon that are also green in color at OregonEAB.com,” said ODF EAB Specialist Kat Bethea. “If you can capture the beetle in a jar or other container that’s ideal, but at least try and take a clear, close-up photo. This helps us identify the insect in question much more easily.”

Bethea said people suspecting they’ve found EAB should report it over the phone to 1-866-INVADER or online at https://oregoninvasiveshotline.org/reports/create. Attaching a clear photo is important. Bethea said people who know they have an ash tree and notice a decline should report it the same way.

“Any ash tree can be infested, including native Oregon ash as well as non-native street, park and yard trees. Signs of infestation include thinning and yellowing leaves, bark splitting, D-shaped holes in the tree bark, and shoots from buds on the trunk or branches,” said Bethea.

Matt Mills, who is also an EAB Specialist with ODF, said, “You can find whether or not you’re in an EAB-infested area or close to one by checking an online map we’ve created. It shows the five counties where firewood from hardwood trees cannot be removed. That quarantine also covers any part of ash, olive or white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus).”

People who want to protect their ash trees before they become infested should consider the same treatment Beaverton and Salem are using to protect their public ash trees. “The insecticide is injected at the base of the trunk and gets taken up into the tree canopy and is quite effective at protecting the tree from both adults and larvae,” said Mills.

Mills said treatments must be done before trees are damaged and repeated every two or three years by a licensed pesticide applicator.

“That’s why we recommend only treating high-value trees in good condition,” he said. “Ash trees planted in the wrong place to reach their mature size, such as under powerlines, should be removed as time and funds permit and replaced with species that aren’t susceptible to EAB.” 

Homeowners might also consider replacing young ash trees while they are still small and starting over by planting a species that is not susceptible to EAB.  “This gets new tree canopy jump-started in urban areas where ash trees will be lost if not treated,” Mills said.

                                                                   # # #

EMBARGOED UNTIL 10 AM ON Sept. 10, 2025 - As Expected, Emerald Ash Borer Has Been Found In Multiple New Sites This Summer, Including Portland - 09/09/25

EMBARGOED UNTIL 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 10, 2025

PORTLAND, Ore. – Emerald ash borer (EAB) is a tiny green beetle from eastern Asia that is having a devastating impact on ash trees in North America, including northwest Oregon.  Across the U.S., millions of ash trees have been killed by the larvae of this pest. The larvae eat tissues under the bark, eventually killing infested trees.

First found in Oregon in 2022 at a school in Forest Grove, this summer the beetle showed up in traps in six new areas. Five of the sites were within the existing EAB quarantine boundary.

A trap was placed this summer at a sixth site in Multnomah County after Peter Van Oss, a private arborist with Teragan and Associates, noticed an ailing green ash tree in the parking lot of the David Douglas Aquatics Center in the Hazelwood-Mill Park area. Van Oss suspected it might be infested with EAB and alerted officials.

City and state officials then inspected the tree Van Oss had reported and saw signs of EAB infestation, such as dieback at the top and serpentine gallery marks under the bark. A single adult insect was trapped and sent to the United States Department of Agriculture, specifically to the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service’s Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory in Maryland, which confirmed it was EAB.

The other new sites where EAB was found this summer are:

• Hazeldale Park about a mile west of Beaverton
• Killin Wetlands Nature Park near Banks in western Washington County
• Five miles northwest of the town of Yamhill in Yamhill County
• Three miles southeast of Oregon City in Clackamas County
• Bureau of Land Management-administered land east of Scotts Mills in Clackamas County

“The pattern of spread in the eastern U.S. has been that populations at first increase slowly and the rate of natural spread is slow,” said Cody Holthouse, Manager of the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture’s Insect Pest Prevention and Management Program. “But within a few years there is a rapid build-up in the population and it spreads in all directions at a faster pace. That’s exactly what we’re starting to see with these detections.”

Holthouse said EAB is about half an inch in length and is hard to spot with the naked eye. It is not strongly attracted to traps, making early detections in novel locations difficult. “Finding one in a trap usually means there are quite a few already in that area,” he said.

Holthouse said the discovery in southeast Portland puts all of Multnomah County into the EAB quarantine zone. Other quarantined counties include Clackamas, Washington, Marion, and Yamhill counties.

“Quarantine is designed to prevent humans from spreading EAB by limiting movement of firewood or any other plant materials from ash, olive or white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus),” said Holthouse.

A full list of quarantine regulations can be found here.

The City of Portland has been preparing for EAB’s arrival for years. It removed ash trees from its list of approved street trees in 2019. It completed a comprehensive response plan for dealing with EAB earlier this summer. 

 "Our approach to managing Portland’s urban canopy is rooted in community stewardship, science and long-term resilience," says City Forester Jenn Cairo. "By working with Portlanders to inventory trees and educate folks about best practices, and intentionally planting a diverse range of tree species, we’re building a more adaptable canopy, one that’s better equipped to withstand threats like the Emerald Ash Borer and other invasive pests. This proactive strategy helps safeguard the health of our urban forest for generations to come." 

For the past few summers, the Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF), in collaboration with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, made sticky purple traps available to numerous public land managers and soil and water conservation districts that agreed to place and monitor the traps.

“Traps contain a lure and are checked periodically during the summer when adult EAB are flying. It was in those traps that the beetles were found,” said ODF Invasive Species Specialist Wyatt Williams.

While it’s possible EAB could turn up in more traps when they are checked in September, Williams said most adults will have finished their short life cycle, laid their eggs, and died by October or November.

“At that point, further spread is almost entirely by humans moving firewood,” said Williams. “That’s why it’s recommended you buy or cut firewood within 10 miles of where you plan to burn it.”

Public agencies in Washington County, where EAB was first detected three years ago, have been preparing for its spread beyond Forest Grove. For example:

• Beaverton is protecting nearly 500 ash street trees in good condition by injecting them with emamectin benzoate. This systemic insecticide has proven very effective at preventing infestation by EAB while being safe for humans, pets, and wildlife, including pollinators.
• Hillsboro is conducting a tree inventory of public and right-of-way trees. This data will help locate ash tree populations and inform the city’s EAB response plan. To protect its ash trees, Hillsboro will also be treating approximately 500 healthy public ash trees along the western and southern city boundary. This will create a buffer zone from current outbreaks as a phase one response plan.

Outside Washington County:

• Salem has been treating high-value public ash trees to protect them ahead of EAB’s arrival.
• Keizer, with help from ODF, is inventorying its street trees to find how many are ash.
• Portland recently completed its EAB response plan, which among other things involves the treatment of public trees in good condition in low-canopy neighborhoods, and the pre-emptive removal of ash trees in poor condition to spread the cost out over several years.

What you can do

If you think you’ve seen an emerald ash borer, ODF and ODA ask that you first make sure it’s not a common look-alike bug.

“You can find a good description and photos comparing EAB to other common insects in Oregon that are also green in color at OregonEAB.com,” said ODF EAB Specialist Kat Bethea. “If you can capture the beetle in a jar or other container that’s ideal, but at least try and take a clear, close-up photo. This helps us identify the insect in question much more easily.”

Bethea said people suspecting they’ve found EAB should report it over the phone to 1-866-INVADER or online at https://oregoninvasiveshotline.org/reports/create. Attaching a clear photo is important. Bethea said people who know they have an ash tree and notice a decline should report it the same way.

“Any ash tree can be infested, including native Oregon ash as well as non-native street, park and yard trees. Signs of infestation include thinning and yellowing leaves, bark splitting, D-shaped holes in the tree bark, and shoots from buds on the trunk or branches,” said Bethea.

Matt Mills, who is also an EAB Specialist with ODF, said, “You can find whether or not you’re in an EAB-infested area or close to one by checking an online map we’ve created. It shows the five counties where firewood from hardwood trees cannot be removed. That quarantine also covers any part of ash, olive or white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus).”

People who want to protect their ash trees before they become infested should consider the same treatment Beaverton and Salem are using to protect their public ash trees. “The insecticide is injected at the base of the trunk and gets taken up into the tree canopy and is quite effective at protecting the tree from both adults and larvae,” said Mills.

Mills said treatments ideally should be done before trees are damaged, and repeated every two or three years by a licensed pesticide applicator.

“That’s why we recommend only treating high-value trees in good condition,” he said. “Ash trees planted in the wrong place to reach their mature size, such as under powerlines, should be removed as time and funds permit and replaced with species that aren’t susceptible to EAB.” 

Homeowners might also consider replacing young ash trees while they are still small and starting over by planting a species that is not susceptible to EAB.  “This gets new tree canopy jump-started in urban areas where ash trees will be lost if not treated,” Mills said.

                                                                   # # #

News Conference About New Emerald Ash Borer Detections In Oregon Sept. 10, 2025 At 10 A.m. - 09/09/25

MEDIA ADVISORY -

INFO EMBARGOED UNTIL

10 a.m. Sept. 10, 2025

Sept. 9, 2025

Contacts:

What: News conference at the site where emerald ash borer was first detected in Portland with remarks about Multnomah County going under a firewood quarantine on Sept. 10 and time for media questions by:

• Oregon Dept. of Agriculture’s Cody Holthouse, who heads the statewide Emerald Ash Borer Task Force
• City of Portland Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry
• Oregon Dept. of Forestry Invasive Species Manager and EAB specialists

When: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025

Where: David Douglas Swimming Pool, 13035 SE Taylor Court, Portland

Directions: Take SE Stark Street and turn south onto SE 130^th. One block south of Morrison turn east onto Taylor Court.

Visuals: Green ash tree showing signs of dieback. Pinned specimens of emerald ash borer and serpentine larval galleries. Map of locations in Oregon where EAB has been found.

                                                               # # #

ODF Complex Incident Management Team Deployed To The Marks Creek Fire (Photo) - 09/03/25

Prineville, Ore. – Today, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) 2 was deployed to the Marks Creek Fire located 21 miles northeast of Prineville. This fire is burning on the Ochoco National Forest and is impacting ODF-protected lands. Combined with a lack of available regional complex incident management teams, ODF’s CIMT 2 was ordered to support the fire.

“Central and eastern Oregon have had a very active fire season so far,” said Brian Pew, Eastern Oregon Area Director. “ODF works with federal and local government partners daily to provide coordinated protection for Oregon’s forests.”

The Marks Creek Fire was reported yesterday and is currently estimated to be 2,000 acres. Crook County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 3 (Go Now) and Level 2 (Be Set) evacuations. For more evacuation information, follow the Crook County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Ground and air resources from ODF, Ochoco National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and local fire departments have been actively engaged, and firefighters are working to establish control lines. Fire activity is expected to remain high over the next several days due to challenging weather conditions.

ODF CIMT 2 will in-brief today at 7 p.m. and will take command of the fire tomorrow at 6 p.m. after a day of shadowing with the current Type 3 team from Central Oregon Fire Management Service.

“Oregon’s complete and coordinated fire protection system is what makes our state so successful when it comes to wildfire,” said Michael Curran, ODF Fire Protection Division Chief. “We recognize that wildfire isn’t just one agency’s problem. Fire doesn’t respect jurisdictional boundaries, so it’s a problem and priority for every agency. We all share responsibility for protecting Oregonians, communities, and our natural resources.”

Fuels in Oregon remain extremely dry while warm and windy weather conditions persist. The best way Oregonians can support their local wildland firefighters is by practicing wildfire prevention and following local fire regulations. One less human-caused fire can make a difference and reduce strain on Oregon’s firefighting resources.

Oregon Department Of Forestry Takes Command Of Juniper Canyon Fire (Photo) - 08/30/25

Umatilla County, Ore. – As of 6 a.m. today, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Northeast Oregon (NEO) District is in command of the Juniper Canyon Fire located 16 miles northeast of Hermiston. The fire is estimated to be about 9,907 acres, however that may change once more accurate mapping is completed.

The fire is burning in a mix of Bureau of Land Management administered land and unprotected private property. This required Umatilla County Emergency Management to work with Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) to activate Emergency Support Function (ESF) 4, allowing ODF to assume command of the Juniper Canyon Fire.

“This fire is a great example of strong partnerships. From the local farmers, landowners and emergency services to our federal partners, we are all working together to suppress the Juniper Canyon Fire as fast as possible while protecting nearby communities.” Justin Lauer, ODF Northeast Oregon District Forester, said.

Over the last two days, ODF’s Northeast Oregon District has been working alongside firefighters with the U.S. Forest Service to make direct attacks on the fire, using ground and aerial resources. Rough terrain and topography have made suppression efforts difficult, however significant progress has been made over the last couple of days.

“Continuing to build on our relationships with partners is always in our top priorities and yesterday was a great example with each partner contributing valuable support to the collective effort.” Lindsay Olivera, ODF Pendleton Unit Forester, said.

Thank you to the local farmer and rancher community, Umatilla County Emergency Management, the U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Emergency Management and our other local and state partners for your support as we work toward our combined goal of containment.

“The Juniper Canyon Fire shows the efficiency of the complete and coordinated fire system in Oregon and how we all have a part in protecting our beautiful communities and natural resources against wildfire.” Michael Curran, ODF Fire Protection Division Chief, said.  

Committee For Emergency Fire Cost Meets Sept. 2 - 08/28/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Aug. 28, 2025

Contact: Kelsey Ramos, 971-707-2458, kelsey.ramos@odf.oregon.gov

SALEM, Ore. — The Emergency Fire Cost Committee (EFCC) will meet virtually on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, at 10 a.m. The virtual meeting is open to the public and the link is available on the meeting agenda on EFCC’s webpage.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Fire season report (Information Item)
• Implementation of HB 3940 (Information Item)
• Administrator Report (Information Item)

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 EFCC oversees the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund (OFLPF), established by the Oregon Legislature. View more information on the EFCC webpage.

Escape The Crowds This Labor Day Weekend, Discover Oregon’s Hidden State Forest Campgrounds (Photo) - 08/26/25

Salem, Ore. — As Labor Day Weekend approaches, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is encouraging families, horseback riders, hikers, and nature lovers of all types to consider exploring Oregon’s less-traveled state forest campgrounds, including Northrup Creek Horse Camp in the Clatsop State Forest.

Unlike high-traffic destinations across state forests or state parks that book up months in advance, many of ODF’s equestrian campgrounds still offer space for late-summer adventurers, even for those without horses. These quieter sites provide a chance to unplug, unwind, and connect with the outdoors—all while supporting sustainable recreation and forest education.

“Oregon’s state forests are spaces for everyone,” said Joe Offer, ODF’s Recreation, Education, and Interpretation Program Manager. “Our developed recreation sites provide opportunities for recreationalists of all sorts. Whether you're camping, hiking, riding horses, or just enjoying the trees, you're able to find a place for you in Oregon’s state forests, our common ground.”

Northrup Creek Horse Camp – A Hidden Gem for Horseback Riders and Campers

Tucked into the lush, shaded groves of the Clatsop State Forest, Northrup Creek Horse Camp is a peaceful retreat for equestrians and outdoor lovers alike. Designed with horse users in mind, it features eight campsites with corrals and space for trailers, along with three drive-up tent sites. Of the eight sites with corrals, three are available for non-equestrian campers looking for a quieter forest experience.

• Equestrian-Friendly: Eight spacious sites with 4-horse corrals and trailer parking.
• Trails to Explore: Trail networks start right at camp, offering scenic forest rides and hikes for all non-motorized users.
• Simple Amenities: Vault toilets, a hand-pump water source, and manure bins maintain the rustic charm of the site.
• Shared Experience: While designed for horseback riders, Northrup—and all ODF-managed equestrian campgrounds—also welcomes hikers, backpackers, trail runners, and families.

Reservations are required—and as of now, sites are still available for Labor Day weekend. For full details and to reserve your spot, visit ReserveAmerica – Northrup Creek Horse Camp.

Other Less Crowded Options?

In addition to Northrup Creek, ODF manages several under-the-radar campgrounds that typically enjoy lower visitation, even during busy summer weekends. These campgrounds are open to equestrian and non-equestrian visitors alike:

• Santiam Horse Camp (Santiam State Forest): Welcomes all non-motorized recreationalists with trail access right from camp in the beautiful Santiam Canyon.
• Stagecoach Horse Camp (Tillamook State Forest): Perfect for campers with or without horses, with direct access to Tillamook’s eastern trail system.
• Reehers Camp Horse Camp (Tillamook State Forest): A historic Civilian Conservation Corps site offering trails, rustic amenities, and quiet camping a mere few miles from the town of Timber.

Whether you're saddling up, lacing up your hiking boots, or simply seeking peace beneath the trees, these hidden gems offer a chance to enjoy Oregon’s forests without the crowds.

See ODF’s Recreation, Interpretation and Education website for a complete list of state forests recreation areas.

Board Of Forestry To Meet On Sept. 3 And 4 - 08/25/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aug. 25, 2025

Contact:

Denise Johnson, 503-302-6344, boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet in person from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3 and Thursday, Sept. 4 at Peavy Hall, PFSC 315, at Oregon State University College of Forestry, 1500 S.W. Jefferson Ave., Corvallis, OR 97331.  The Thurs. Sept. 4 meeting will be an off-site field tour to observe tethered logging in practice and discuss next steps.Both meetings are open to the public.  

Oregon Department Of Forestry Deploys Complex Incident Management Team To Flat Fire (Photo) - 08/22/25

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has deployed Complex Incident Management Team 3 (CIMT 3) to manage the Flat Fire north of Sisters and near Lake Billy Chinook.   

The fire started yesterday (Aug. 21) and is now estimated at 9,000 acres. The fire has exceeded the span of control of the local Type 3 Team, so the larger IMT was activated and will take command of the fire tomorrow (Aug. 23).

“This extreme heat and dry fuels have made control efforts hard,” said Ron Graham, Deputy Chief of ODF’s Protection Division.  “On the positive side, given the lower number of current fires state-wide there are a lot of resources available to send to the fire.”

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is overseeing evacuations in the affected area. Community members are urged to stay informed about evacuation levels and be prepared to act quickly. For the latest evacuation information go to the Jefferson County Sherrif’s Office evacuation zones page and the Deschutes County Sherrif’s Office Emergency Info page.

“This is tough for local community members,” said Graham.  “Earlier this summer they had to endure the Alder Springs Fires, now this one is adjacent to that burned area impacting many of the same folks.”

Earlier today Governor Tina Kotek determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment, so she invoked the Conflagration Act for the Flat Fire.  That allows for more resources to be deployed to the fires to protect life and property.  See the news release here.

As firefighters continue to work to suppress fires around the state, ODF urges community members to help reduce the strain on firefighters by preventing new human-caused fires. Follow fire prevention guidelines and know the local fire restrictions currently in place: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

ODF Provides Critical Support To Help Wildland Firefighters Maintain Physical And Mental Health (Photo) - 08/21/25

SALEM, Ore.—When the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) deploys its people to a wildland fire they battle more than just the flames.

“It’s not hard to imagine the typical challenges that firefighters face – long shifts, hot and dry conditions, working in steep and brushy terrain, snags, poison oak, blisters - the list goes on,” said Chet Behling, Assistant District Forester for ODF’s Western Lane District.   “Firefighters have been accustomed to these conditions and have found creative ways to mitigate the physical challenges in order to focus on the job, and the mission of the assignment. However, there are mental strains to the work as well, and although they may be harder to see or imagine, we’re learning ways to better recognize, understand, and mitigate them.”

Firefighters’ work requires a sense of urgency, performance at high levels for long periods of time, and often includes high-stress environments such as mitigating hazards, protecting homes and communities from fire, and working around large fires’ unpredictable behaviors.

“All those elements add to the mental stressor component of the job,” said Behling. “Mental stressors combined with the physical challenges can certainly have a cumulative impact on a person’s mental or physiological health, especially on longer assignments or during lengthy fire seasons.”

To help staff navigate through these cumulative effects, Behling and fourteen other ODF employees were selected to be part of the department’s Peer Support Team. The team is an official internal resource with a focus on mental health awareness, better understanding and mitigating its effects, and ultimately building employee resiliency.  Each team member receives in-depth training and is required to maintain confidentially in all their interactions.

The Peer Support Team was officially launched before the 2022 fire season but had its beginnings in 2020, in the aftermath of the massive and destructive Labor Day fires, a non-fire related ODF employee death, and the impacts of the COVID pandemic.

There was no formal contact or program at ODF to help employees mentally process and navigate their recovery from these on-the-job traumatic experiences. There is now.

“Don Everingham, who worked closely with those impacted by the Labor Day fires, and Teresa Williams along with her coworkers in Klamath who had to overcome the unexpected death of a coworker, were instrumental in forming the group,” said Bob Arnsmeier a Peer Support Team member and the training coordinator for the Southern Oregon Area. 

All Peer Support Team members receive Critical Incident Stress Management training, and training specifically tailored to ODF by Responder Life. The department also covers travel costs for team members to talk with employees about the help available and respond to any area of the state after a critical incident. All team members are covered under Oregon statue to maintain confidentiality.

“The training, travel and confidentiality allows us to be more effective when helping our peers,” said Arnsmeier. “However, a main component to success is trust. We are naturally more comfortable with people we know, people who have similar experiences and people who have survived and then thrived after overcoming something really bad.”

The Peer Support Team gets most of its contacts and employees seeking help through word of mouth.

“Even though the group is relatively new, people know we are here to help,” said Arnsmeier.  “But if you aren’t familiar with us there is a great website with all our bios and backgrounds and you can find one of us that can not only relate to your situation but be there for you and likely have had a similar experience.”

Arnsmeier, who is in his 13^th year at ODF, also mentions in his bio on the website he worked for a county.

“I was a deputy sheriff for 10 years,” said Arnsmeier. “Unfortunately, I experienced a lot of deaths—suicides, crashes, children, and no one really wants to talk about those, but I will if it helps someone deal with their incident. The one that impacted me the most was an in the line of duty death of one of my coworkers in a car crash. After the incident we all kind of looked at each other with an implied ‘now what do we do?’ I think a lot of folks ask that ‘now what do I do’ question and this group can help.”

The Support Team is there to help anyone who needs it including full-time, seasonal, and those from other agencies and states battling an Oregon wildfire.

“Our seasonal firefighters work hard to keep fires small and are a valuable component to the program. They are highly valued in the agency and by the communities they serve, and are often part of a tight-knit group of firefighters with good camaraderie at their local office,” said Behling. “Come fall when fire season ends, they’re laid off and life may look drastically different having less daily structure and lack of a tight-knit work group. This could be a tough adjustment, and we are here for them.”

Others work through the impacts of life-changing events in addition to or apart from wildfire challenges: divorce, substance abuse, domestic violence, step-parenting, children with disabilities, and they often just need someone to talk to.

“We are here for you,” said Behling. “I’ve had personal or someone close to me experience in battling anxiety, panic attacks, stress management/feeling overwhelmed and more. No issue is too small if it impacts your work and personal life. I would look forward to understanding where you are, and how I could assist you to get you back on track. There is value in knowing you have someone to reach out to, and an even higher value in actually reaching out. If more is needed, we help with referrals to all sorts of resources and professionals.”

For those involved with firefighting the ODF has a contract with the Responder Life for additional support. There are also contacts for the employee assistance program and the ODF employee health insurance providers that have mental health benefits on the Peer Support Team webpage.

Adaptive Management Program Committee Meets August 25 - 08/19/25

State Forests Volunteers Honored For Their Work With New Forest Champions Award (Photo) - 08/14/25

TILLAMOOK STATE FOREST, Ore.—Four volunteers were recognized for their efforts to steward recreational opportunities across Oregon state forests through the first Forest Champions Volunteer Award. The award, sponsored by the State Forests Trust of Oregon, was proudly presented to Richard Chapman, Nathan Frechen, Nelson Kline and Tom Brauner.

“Each of this year’s honorees reflects the heart of volunteerism and the spirit of Oregon’s working forests,” said Kelly Lau, executive director of the State Forests Trust of Oregon. “Their dedication ensures that trails remain safe, available, and inspiring for all who explore, enjoy and appreciate time spent on these public lands.”

Each year volunteers contribute more than 15,000 hours to help Oregon Department of Forestry’s Recreation, Education, and Interpretation Program maintain and improve the state forests’ trail systems, camping areas, and other recreational facilities. Additionally, many of the educational and interpretation programs hosted at the Tillamook Forest Center also rely heavily on volunteers.

“Our volunteers are amazing,” said Joe Offer, ODF’s Recreation, Education, and Interpretation Program Manager. “They are out in the forests in all kinds of weather doing hard, physical work, so all Oregonians can enjoy our state forests safely. Our small number of ODF recreational staff couldn’t keep the more than 700 miles of hiking, biking, off-road vehicle and equestrian trails open without their help. We greatly appreciate their dedication and commitment to everything that makes our state forests so special.”

Here are the 2025 Forest Champions:

Richard Chapman

The Trust partnered with the Oregon Motorcycle Riders Association (OMRA) to create the Lyon Payne Trail Volunteer of the Year Award in memory of longtime OMRA member Lyon Payne. Known for his quiet, steadfast dedication to trail maintenance, Lyon passed away in 2022 after years of working behind the scenes to keep state forests trails open for all. Richard, who worked closely with Lyon, has carried on that legacy without missing a beat. From maintaining OMRA’s tools to covering countless hidden costs out of pocket, Richard’s service reflects a humble, hands-on approach that puts others and state forest trails first. Without seeking recognition, he has ensured that ODF’s trail network continues to thrive. The award honors both Lyon’s enduring impact and Richard’s commitment to carrying the torch.

 Nathan Frechen

A leading volunteer with the Northwest Trail Alliance (NWTA), Nathan contributes over 150 hours annually, organizing and leading large volunteer crews in trail restoration and maintenance. His ability to mobilize teams of 30–50 people has made a measurable difference in the health of the Tillamook State Forest non-motorized trail system. But Nathan’s influence goes far beyond the worksite. His inclusive leadership style has helped cultivate a broader network of volunteers and partners dedicated to equitable outdoor access and long-term stewardship. Through his passion, organization, and generosity of spirit, Nathan is helping ensure that ODF’s trails remain welcoming and sustainable for future generations.

 Nelson Kline and Tom Brauner

Volunteers with Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO), Tom and Nelson have made extraordinary efforts to restore the Shellburg Falls Trail system in the Santiam State Forest. Severely damaged by the 2020 Labor Day fires, the Shellburg network has become a model of grassroots restoration thanks to their leadership.

Nelson, who began volunteering with TKO in 2019, has led 47 trail parties with volunteers who have contributed over 1,600 hours. Tom joined TKO in 2022 and has since logged over 2,000 hours. His contributions include leading crews, designing bridges and box steps, and coordinating closely with the Oregon Department of Forestry. Together, Nelson and Tom oversaw the construction of two new 30-foot bridges—critical to safely reopening the area. This duo continues to attract new volunteers, especially from the Salem area, and they remain committed to ongoing restoration work as winter storms and lingering fire damage continue to affect the Santiam.

 For more information on volunteering in Oregon’s State Forest see the Trust’s Get Involved webpage and the ODF volunteer page.