Smoke Management Rulemaking Advisory Committee Meets Aug. 12 - 08/07/26

A series of rulemaking advisory committee meetings has been scheduled to discuss updates to the smoke management rules.

The committee’s focus will be to discuss regulated areas. This will include multiple work sessions and public comment.

The first meeting took place July 15, view the meeting video. The second meeting took place July 29, view the meeting video. The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 12. More may be scheduled in the future. All meetings will be held virtually and are open to the public.

To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

There will be a period for public comment. 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 contacting Shelby Berry at 503-949-5181.

Emerald Ash Borer Pops Up In More New Places, Including First Detections In Beaverton, Salem And Rockcreek (Photo) - 08/06/26

BEAVERTON, Ore. - Emerald ash borer (EAB), an exotic beetle that infests and kills ash, olive, and white fringetrees, has been confirmed for the first time inside Beaverton, Salem, at Bethany Lake Park in the Rockcreek area, as well as at the Oregon Garden in Silverton. EAB was also detected along the Banks-Vernonia State Trail marking the first time EAB has been found in an Oregon state park. Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve in Hillsboro also reports it has likely found EAB there for the first time. That report is awaiting official confirmation from the state.

The beetles were found when traps set out this spring were checked in July.

In addition, EAB was found again in the same school parking lot in east Portland where it showed up last summer, as well as reappearing in Hazeldale Park west of Beaverton.

EAB was first found in Oregon in Forest Grove in Washington County in June 2022. That made Oregon the first state on the West Coast to report an infestation. Since then it has been found in four other counties in the Willamette Valley - Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, and Yamhill.

Salem 

The City of Salem has been preparing for the arrival of emerald ash borer in the city for several years. An important first step was conducting an inventory of street, park, and natural-area ash trees. Salem identified nearly 4,000 ash trees along streets, in parks, and in over 400 acres of natural areas with a high density of Oregon ash. The City also has:

• Created management plans for identified ash trees on City-owned property
• Created and published an Emerald Ash Borer Readiness and Response Plan (https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/natural-environment-climate/trees-and-plants/emerald-ash-borer)   
• Halted the siting and planting of new ash trees
• Begun pre-emptive removal of ash trees in poor health
• Moved to inject insecticide into around 1,200 ash trees identified to be in good health to protect them from EAB
  • These injections began in summer 2025 with 600 trees in the northern part of the city receiving injections last year, and another 600 trees to be injected next spring. The treatments are highly effective at killing EAB and keeping trees alive through their natural lifespan if treatment is started before infestation damages trees and is continued every 2-3 years.

The City of Salem will continue to carry out other work to mitigate and contain EAB, including: 

• Underplanting in natural areas around ash trees
• Replacing removed ash trees along streets and parks with a wide variety of other species to add resilience and diversity to the urban canopy
• Providing education and outreach about EAB through social and print media and at community events.

Learn more about Salem’s response plans here.

Beaverton’s response

Beaverton’s Urban Forestry team was spurred by EAB detections in places just west of the city over the past few years to start preparing in earnest. Beaverton received a one-year grant from the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District in October 2024 to help with EAB mitigation. During the 2025 treatment season the Beaverton Urban Forestry team used the grant’s funds to treat 600 of the 2,000 inventoried ash street trees, with plans to protect a further 600 soon. Beaverton has also planted 60 new street trees with the help of volunteers and Friends of Trees.

“In response to the threat of EAB, in 2026 we have so far treated 22 city-maintained natural area trees 20 inches in diameter and larger and planted over 2,000 native trees and shrubs,” said Beaverton City Arborist and Public Works Supervisor Jered Lane. “We are continuing to monitor ash street trees throughout the city with regular inspections, respond to concerns about possible cases in Beaverton, and educate the public about EAB.”

Advice for cities and homeowners

One immediate step cities should be taking is to stop planting ash and olive trees and if they haven’t already to remove them from their list of approved street and yard trees.  The second is to make sure City staff who work with trees know how to identify an ash or olive tree. A PowerPoint on how to do that can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/forestbenefits/Documents/identifying-ash-trees-march-2023.pdf

If you think you’ve seen an emerald ash borer, the Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF) and Oregon Dept. of Agriculture ask that you first make sure it’s not a common look-alike bug.

“Keep in mind that EAB adults are only around from June through September. 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, Portland, and Salem are using to protect their high-value 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.

America’s most destructive forest pest

Since it was first found in Michigan two decades ago, EAB has become the most destructive forest pest ever seen in North America. Where they spread to, EAB larvae eventually kill almost all ash trees by feeding on the living tissues under the bark. Oregon ash and all other American and European ash species are susceptible. The insect is devastating ash stands from the Atlantic Ocean to the Rocky Mountains. Hundreds of millions of ash trees in the U.S. and Canada have already been killed by EAB.

For more information visit the Oregon Invasive Species Council EAB web site at  www.oregoneab.com

# # #

Interagency Cooperation Puts Fires Out Quickly In Central Oregon (Photo) - 08/03/26

REDMOND, Ore.—The Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center is working hard to catch and put out wildfires while they are small.  They have the responsibility to coordinate the first response to these fires, called “initial attack.”

“The center has been key to suppressing more than 100 fires already this year with their efficient and fast deployment of initial firefighting resources,” said Rick Fletcher, Assistant District Forester for the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District.  The center coordinates the physical firefighting resources of ODF, U.S Forest Service and the newly created U.S. Wildland Fire Service.

“Most importantly the center brings together hundreds of years of state and federal firefighting experience to manage those resources to protect the people and property of central Oregon no matter who owns the land,” said Fletcher.

This close cooperation between state and federal agencies didn’t always happen historically.

“It was crazy 20-years ago, Forest Service trucks would pass ODF trucks on the same road going opposite directions to different fires because both agencies would only do initial attack on their lands,” said Jason Gibb, U.S. Forest Service Deputy Fire Staff for Central Oregon Fire Management Service.  “Now under our jointly funded and jointly staffed center, we use the closest forces concept. The firefighting resources closest to the fire get dispatched no matter the landowner.”

According to Fletcher, there are two major advantages to this joint approach to dispatching: “We get to fires quicker and safety is improved since we are moving resources shorter distances.”  

That quick response is also extremely efficient, especially during intense thunderstorm activity.  For example, on July 22, the central Oregon area received an estimated 2,000 lightning strikes from a storm. Firefighters responded to more than 35 reported wildfires.   Several of those fires had an interagency response, including Incident #551, that was burning three miles northeast of Terrebonne on the north side of the Crooked River east of Smith Rock State Park.

“The fire was on federal land but responding resources include municipal, state and federal engines and crews,” said Fletcher.  “Because of the fast joint response, we stopped the forward progress that night.  It was a great catch.”   Fletcher has firsthand knowledge of that quick response since he was one of the closest resources and was the incident commander for the fire.

The center’s job doesn’t stop with a successful allocation of resources nor when the lightening stops. 

“Lightening that strikes trees or vegetation can sometimes smolder for several days without producing significant smoke,” said Matt Noble, who monitors ODF smoke cameras and other detection resources for the central Oregon area. “Sometimes we see a little smoke for a few minutes then it’s gone because of the rain with the thunderstorm. That makes monitoring that area critical for the next several days in case it flares up.”

Those found fires’ locations are pushed to the center’s other staff for quick coordinated action. Then ground or air resources are sent to the fire starts to catch them before they can grow.

The center also tracks all firefighting resources in the area. The numbers change daily, and even hourly, there are a lot of fires in central Oregon. Currently, there are 32 large fires in Oregon with more than 11,700 people assigned to them, and nearly all of those fires and resources are on the east side of the state. This year, wildfires have burned more than 2 million acres statewide, with much of that in central and eastern Oregon.

“The challenge for the center is to have resources available for initial attack when these lightning storms hit, while not hampering the efforts to control the current large fires,” said Fletcher. 

The center does this though a jointly agreed upon priority list, but center staff still have to use their expertise to make that final decision on what firefighting resources go to which fire when.

“It’s not necessarily first come first served during the height of fire season, said Gibbs. “We look at (fire) fuels, weather, terrain, distances to those priorities, prior thinning and treatment like prescribed fire, and more—just many factors we take into consideration before we make our dispatch decisions.  And, all this must be done quickly and efficiently.”

The central Oregon area is so large—encompassing land from The Dalles down past Prineville and across to John Day—that one interagency center is not enough to coordinate all the firefighting resources to protect Oregonians, their communities, and the state’s natural resources. “We have three primary interagency centers we coordinate and staff that support central Oregon,” said Fletcher. Those centers are in Redmond, Vancouver, and John Day. Relevant and timely information is shared between the centers based on fire locations and available resources.

“I’ve worked firefighting jobs all over the state and this interagency model of centers is the most efficient and most effective,” said Fletcher.  “It’s the best way to protect people and property.”

For more on the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center see: Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

For the latest update on central Oregon wildfire activity see: Wildfire Updates | Air Quality | Central Oregon Fire Information

Newest RFPA Trained, Responding To Fires (Photo) - 07/29/26

Pendleton, Ore. – Oregon’s newest Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA), the North Pendleton RFPA, is fully trained and responding to new fire starts in their area.

Upon request of landowners in northern Umatilla County, the formation of the North Pendleton RFPA was approved by the Oregon Board of Forestry on March 4, 2026.  This was the first new RFPA to form since the Grizzly RFPA in March 2023. 

“There has been a desire to have some sort of fire protection North of Pendleton for at least my lifetime,” said Randy Bracher from the North Pendleton RFPA. “I’m blown away by the level of support our community, local fire protection districts and community leaders have for this RFPA.”

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) alongside the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, the U.S. Forest Service and local fire district personnel instructed two basic fire training classes that were attended by 62 of the new association members.

ODF also assisted in providing 20 portable radios, 70 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) and six pieces of Federal Excess Firefighting Equipment. This level of assistance was made possible through HB 3349, which established the Rangeland Protection Association Fund and authorized ODF to transfer used vehicles and other firefighting equipment to RFPAs through sale or donation.

“We officially began on March 4 of this year and have been on our heels to get trained up and the resources we need,” Bracher said. “Our optimum goal in creating the RFPA was safety and communication.”

On June 14, the association responded to their first large fire, the Twin Sisters Fire. So far this summer, the association has responded to eight fires.

“It’s been an incredible experience to work with these landowners through the RFPA formation process,” said Allison Rayburn, ODF’s Rangeland Coordinator. “And it was amazing to hear them say after their first large fire response that the RFPA model was a great success and that communication, safety, and quick action were all key to getting a handle on the fire.”

RFPAs support during initial attack and willingness to share their knowledge of the surrounding area make them a vital local resource in wildfire suppression efforts in Oregon.

Smoke Management Rulemaking Advisory Committee Meets July 29 - 07/28/26

A series of three meetings of a rulemaking advisory committee on updating the smoke management rules have been scheduled.

The committee’s focus will be to discuss regulated areas. This will include multiple work sessions and public comment.

The first meeting took place July 15, view the meeting video. The second meeting is Wednesday, July 29 from 1 – 3 p.m. via Teams. One additional meeting is scheduled for Aug. 12. More may be scheduled in the future. All meetings will be held virtually and are open to the public.

To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

There will be a period for public comment. 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 contacting Shelby Berry at 503-949-5181.

ODF Brings In Incident Management Team From Florida To Take Over East Evans Creek Fire (Photo) - 07/24/26

The Florida CIMT is committed to managing the East Evans Creek Fire for a standard assignment, which is 14 days. After 6 a.m. Monday, ODF CIMT 1 members will return home and have two mandatory rest days before being available for assignment again.

Compliance Monitoring Program Committee Meets July 30 - 07/23/26

SALEM, Ore. — The Compliance Monitoring Program Committee will hold a virtual meeting Thursday, July 30, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Roads and steep slopes pilot study updates
• Riparian pilot study report discussion       

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Teams. 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 Marta Frias-Bedolla.

The CMP Committee assists in efforts to monitor compliance with Forest Practices Rules. The committee advises ODF regarding monitoring projects and procedures. View more information on the CMPC webpage.

Board Approves Plan For State Forests Management (Photo) - 07/22/26

SALEM, Ore.—In a 5-2 vote this morning, the Oregon Board of Forestry approved a new Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan (FMP). This long-term plan, along with locally-focused, shorter-term implementation and operation plans, ensures state forests provide the social, economic and environmental benefits required of state forestlands.

The new plan is aligned with the expected approval of the submitted Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) by the federal services later this year or in early 2027. The board’s approval stipulates that the new FMP is to become effective once ODF receives an approved HCP and incidental take permits from the federal services.

“This plan, when implemented along with the HCP, will provide economic certainty for timber harvests, environmental protections and enhancements, and continued recreational opportunities for all who depend on, use, and care about Oregon’s state forests,” said Mike Wilson, chief of ODF’s State Forests Division.

The new FMP has been in development since 2018, and Wilson has been involved with the effort from the start. “Developing a plan like this over such a long timeframe not only requires immense dedication from ODF staff, but an enormous about of outreach and collaboration,” Wilson said. “Our county partners, tribes, other state agencies, stakeholders and the general public have been essential in crafting a plan that would be compatible with an HCP and still provide decision space for the board and department to manage our state forestlands into the future.”

When effective, the new FMP will replace the 2010 Northwest and Southwest FMPs and the 2011 Elliott State Forest FMP. (The Elliott FMP still governs the management of Board of Forestry parcels adjacent to the Elliott State Research Forest.) While state forests management is still government by the current FMP and associated implementation and annual operating plans, the board’s decision gives ODF the clarity to move forward with crafting new plans for fiscal year 2028 that provide more specific management objectives and operational details.

For more on the management of state forests see ODF’s website.

The Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan under review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries, provides an integrated, collaborative, ecosystem-based approach to species conservation across the landscape and will ideally result in the department being issued incidental take permits (ITPs) for 15 species of wildlife and fish. The conservation measures in the HCP are designed to offset potential impacts from forest management, while the ITPs ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Together, the plan and permits provide a more holistic, cost-effective approach to ESA compliance, while also creating more certainty around the long-term financial viability of managing state forests for economic benefits. Learn more about the HCP here.

Adaptive Management Program Committee Meets July 28 - 07/21/26

SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet virtually at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Report from AMPC-IRST subcommittee on effectiveness monitoring strategy
• IRST Co-chairs presentation on scoping proposals on Amphibians questions 1 & 2
• Amphibians questions 1 & 2 into existing research agenda – This is a decision item

The meeting is open to the public to attend 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 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.

Oregon Department Of Foresty Deploys Additional Complex Incident Management Team To Manage More Central Oregon Wildfires - 07/18/26

PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is deploying its Complex Incident Management Team 3 (CIMT) to manage the Brewer and Box Springs wildfires in the Prineville and Sisters area. This is the third and last ODF-staffed team the department has available.  The deployment is necessary due to the unusual early season “resistance to control” nature of these lightening caused fires in central Oregon.  

The Brewer fire started Wednesday and grew to estimated 14,000 acres today; on Thursday it was at 3,000 acres. It is currently managed by ODF CIMT 2, but Team 2 also has the Pilot and Akawa fires. So, ODF CIMT 3 will take over the Brewer fire and the Box Springs fire. Box Springs was only 40 acres this morning but has grown rapidly.  It is burning in timber and grass.  ODF firefighters describe some of the terrain as steep nasty canyons and draws which make it difficult to battle.  

ODF fire managers stress patience and safety as resources are stretched thin and firefighters have been putting in long days and nights.  All local resources are committed but additional air and ground firefighting resources have been ordered through partnerships with other states.  However, it may take a while to fulfill all the requests since the Northwest region has multiple large fires asking for additional resources. 

The fires managed by both ODF CIMTs in central Oregon have evacuation orders that are issued by county sheriff’s offices, to see the latest and to set up alerts from the counties go to: https://centraloregonfire.org

 The public is urged to avoid these areas due to heavy firefighting traffic and possible road closures. 

ODF CIMT 3 is scheduled for an in-brief tomorrow at noon and then take over management of the Brewer and Box Springs fires at 6 p.m.  The incident command will be in Prineville.

Board Of Forestry Hosts Virtual Special Meeting On July 22 - Updated Agenda To Include Executive Session - 07/17/26

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will hold a special virtual meeting on Wednesday, July 22, starting at 8:30 a.m. An Executive Session is scheduled immediately following the board meeting. The focus of this special meeting is for the board to consider the adoption of the Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan. This meeting will be livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel. 

The board’s business agenda includes:

• FTLAC comments
• Consider adoption of the Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan 

The full agenda is available on the board’s webpage.

The Executive Session will be closed to the public, except for members of the press who are permitted to attend by law. This Executive Session is held pursuant to ORS 192.660 (2)(f) to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection as well as pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with legal counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-302-6344 or by email at boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. 

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include 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. Learn more about the board.

Complex Incident Management Team From Oregon Department Of Forestry Deploys To Manage Central Oregon Wildfires (Photo) - 07/16/26

PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is deploying its Complex Incident Management Team 2 (CIMT) to manage multiple central Oregon wildfires in the Prineville and Sisters area. The all ODF-staffed team will coordinate current and additional personnel and equipment assigned to the incidents.

The CIMT will battle the Brewer fire estimated at more than 3,000 acres, the Akawa fire at more than 3,200 acres and the Pilot fire at 100 acres.  The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 1 evacuation notice for the Brewer fire and a Level 1 and Level 2 notice for the Akawa fire.  For the Pilot fire the Cook County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 1 evacuation notice.  To see more information on the fires and to set up alerts from the counties go to: https://centraloregonfire.org

 The public is urged to avoid these areas due to heavy firefighting traffic and possible road closures.   

The team is scheduled for an in-brief tomorrow at noon and then schedule take over management of the fire at 6 p.m.  The incident command is expected to be in Sisters.

The Brewer fire started yesterday, and the Pilot and Akawa fires ignited today.  All three fires were caused by lightning.   Although there was rain in the area last night and today it was not enough to significantly impact the fires.  Dry fuels on the ground and continued warm weather will contribute to the fires’ intensity making fighting the fires challenging and the need for additional resources including the CIMT. 

State Forests Annual Operations Plan For Timber Sales Finalized After Robust Public Comment Period - 07/15/26

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has finalized its Annual Operations Plans (AOP). The Plans describe projects planned for state forests in the 2027 fiscal year that began July 1 and runs through June 30, 2027. These include:

• planned timber sales for each district;
• recreation projects, such as the installation of a bridge;
• other types of forest projects, such as stream enhancement or restoration projects.

ODF received 1,515 written comments during the public comment period that was open from April 3 to May 18.

“We received many thoughtful and constructive comments from the public,” said Nick Palazzotto, ODF’s State Forests Division Deputy Chief. “These represent diverse perspectives and demonstrate a high level of interest and engagement in State Forests. The comments help us in the challenging work of trying to balance ODF’s legal obligation to manage state forests for timber production to meet economic goals as well as social and environmental outcomes—a concept referred to as Greatest Permanent Value.”

State forests provide:

• outdoor recreation
• forest education
• clean water
• critical fish and wildlife habitats
• sustainable harvest volumes that produce jobs and revenue that funds vital services in rural counties

The majority of timber sales are on Board of Forestry lands, where about two thirds of the resulting revenue is split with the counties. In turn, the counties share those revenues with special districts that support local schools or provide other essential community services. ODF retains one third of the revenue to fund management of state forests. A small portion of the timber sales are located on Common School Forest Lands and generate revenue for the state’s Common School Fund.

Some comments resulted in edits to specific timber sales while others are addressed in a high-level summary of the comments received highlighting the major themes, topics, and agency responses. 

“We read and consider every comment,” said Palazzotto. “However, we do not respond individually to each one. Sale specific comments are considered by the field and technical specialists and changes are documented in the plans. We also develop a summary with broad categories that capture the high-level comments and provides our responses to the public commentary.”

The comment summary document has the following sections: 

• Recreation
• Timber Harvest
• Climate Change and Fire Mitigation
• Young Stand Management
• Aquatic, Water Quality, Wildlife
• Roads and Slopes
• Process and Document Improvement
• Specific Sales
• Out of Scope

The Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Operations Plan documents are available for ODF’s Astoria, Forest Grove, Klamath-Lake, North Cascade, Tillamook, West Oregon and Western Lane districts. These are located on the same webpage as the summary of comments and agency response document.

“Because we manage state forests for the Greatest Permanent Value, we have to consider how our decisions impact all Oregonians, not just a single commenter,” said Palazzotto. “This means individual members of the public or stakeholder groups may be disappointed with some choices made and satisfied with others. We recognize that and seek to be as transparent as possible in our decisions. We know Oregonians care about their forests as we received more than fifteen-hundred comments this year. Given the high interest in how state forests are managed, ODF will continue to work on improving communications with landowners, neighbors and concerned citizens. Our goal is to raise awareness of our AOP process and how people can connect with us to have their concerns heard.”

ODF Uses Tech To Enhance Wildfire Response (Photo) - 07/15/26

Salem, Ore. – As technology evolves, so does the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). ODF continues to adapt and integrate technological advancements into their work. During fire season, the agency uses several different types of tech for early detection, prevention, data collection and to support suppression efforts.

Wildfire Detection Cameras

ODF’s wildfire detection cameras play an integral role in the state’s early detection and response on fires. These cameras monitor thousands of acres of land.

The camera systems have software 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 responding resources.

The program now consists of 96 operational camera sites.

ODF and fire protection associations continue to work closely with our partners on the Oregon Wildfire Detection Camera Interoperability Committee to enhance relationships across the state and region with organizations that have similar reliance on early fire detection technology to keep fires small, to decrease fire costs and improve the quality of life for all Oregonians.

Multi-Mission Aircraft

The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) program has proved to be a critical tool in wildfire detection, disaster response, aerial ignitions, resource protection and the ability to deliver supplies.

The MMA program has transformed Oregon’s wildfire detection and response capabilities. Since its launch in 2020, the MMA has detected 149 fires, conducted 7 operational support missions, and completed 17 mapping missions.

The recent strategic investment in the new Twin Otter aircraft equipped with Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Sensor, Augmented Reality System, Night Vision Systems and an AI-backed mapping scanner demonstrates a commitment operational effectiveness.

The demand for this resource continues to grow year after year, and the agency is proud of its accomplishments and the lessons learned to bring to future missions.

Before you burn

The Before You Burn program offers an innovative online platform that simplifies and coordinates burns, improves overall coordination, and provides real-time information to ensure the safety of our communities.

Before You Burn provides Oregonians simple, clear guidance on burning regulations and prevention measures for their specific location. The public can sign up for free by visiting the beforeyouburn.net website.

Once on the site, or mobile phone application, residents are prompted to enter their address. They will be immediately informed on whether burning is allowed for their location. If burning is allowed, they will receive instructions or options on local regulations that must be followed, like registering a burn or filing for a permit.

This system empowers community members with the knowledge they need to comply with local regulations.

FireWeb

The Oregon Department of Forestry recently implemented use of a new software platform, called FireWeb, to replace a 20-year-old technology platform (known as FIRES) as the database that collects and reports ODF fire incident data and statistics internally. FireWeb is also used as an enhancement to the GIS features of the detection service and is used as a computer-aided dispatch to make resource deployment more efficient.

The FireWeb platform is an improvement from the previous system with web-based, innovative features that now allow ODF to integrate data with federal reporting platforms, and to analyze data in greater detail than ever before.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

ODF’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program started in 2017 and has been growing ever since. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, help ODF to detect wildfire, as well as conduct operational mapping, and identify hot spots in dangerous terrain. Most importantly, UAS are used to provide situational awareness to our firefighters to keep them safe.

The maiden mission of ODF’s UAS Program was on the Eagle Creek Fire in Central Oregon. The agency used a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to gain real-time intelligence during periods of low visibility due to smoke. This mission gave the agency confidence in the capability and products that UAS can provide.

We expect the use of the program to continue growing and be integrated into more aspects of ODF’s work.

State of Oregon Fire Situation Analyst (SOFSA) Mapping System via Intterra

SOFSA is the statewide common operating picture of wildfire incidents and response for the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM). SOFSA displays real-time fire intelligence from official fire reporting systems including national dispatch systems like ODF's FireWeb.

Intterra provides software-as-a-service for fire departments in for the states of California, Montana, and Colorado, as well as several local organizations in Oregon. Oregon's system displays a variety of wildland, structural and rural fire service information for statewide situational awareness.

SOFSA also displays key weather, fire environment, and land ownership and reference information for situational assessment and analysis. Key data resources are satellite-based fire detection, lightning, smoke detection camera networks, and data from large fire Incident Action Plans.

SOFSA is also the primary viewer for infrared imagery, mapping information, and video from ODF Multi-Mission Aircraft which can be viewed in near-real-time when flight missions are active.

Board Of Forestry Hosts Virtual Special Meeting On July 22 - 07/14/26

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will hold a special virtual meeting on Wednesday, July 22, starting at 8:30 a.m. The focus of this special meeting is for the board to consider the adoption of the Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan. This meeting will be livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel. 

The board’s business agenda includes:

• FTLAC comments
• Consider adoption of the Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan 

The full agenda is available on the board’s webpage.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-302-6344 or by email at boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. 

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include 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. Learn more about the board.

Guzzlers Help Wildlife In Gilchrist State Forest /Team Of Volunteers Maintain These Low-tech Watering Stations (Photo) - 07/14/26

Gilchrist State Forest, Ore.—With only an average yearly rainfall of 10 inches, wildlife in the Gilchrist State Forest can get easily stressed during the hot dry summers of central Oregon.  But thanks to some old school technology that has been used since the 1960s wildlife can use 11 artificial watering holes called guzzlers in the 72,000-acre state forest managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF).

“The entire Gilchrist has no perennial water source, meaning no rivers, streams, lakes, or ponds” said Vanessa Petro, ODF’s Lead State Forest Wildlife Biologist. “Providing important habitat features like these guzzlers benefits a wide range of species including the Crescent mule deer herd, American badger, Rocky Mountain elk, and many small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.”

Guzzlers are typically constructed of common metal roofing material just a foot or two off the ground that is the collector of rain, snow, or condensation. The water flows from the collector into a gutting system that takes it to an underground holding tank or tanks. From there a float system like in your toilet keeps a nearby downhill watering trough filled.

Though simple in design the guzzlers do require regular maintenance.

“We inventoried and examined all 11,” said Petro. “Three of them need to be rebuilt later this summer when more supplies are available while several others had either muck in the tanks, plumbing issues, or the apron needed to be repaired.”

The group of volunteers from the Oregon Hunter’s Association, Walker Range Fire Protection Association, and ODF wildlife staff got busy in the field fixing those issues.

“We also were able to enroll all the guzzlers on Gilchrist into the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Adopt a Guzzler Program,” said Petro. “This helps pay for materials by tracking volunteer time and mileage the state can use as grant funding match.”

Although ODF led this round of maintenance and the guzzler enrollment paperwork, it’s the volunteers who make the guzzlers effective year-round.

“The Walker Range FPA volunteers use their firefighting tanker trucks to fill up the guzzler tanks several times each summer when they are not being used to fight wildfires,” said Petro.  “There just isn’t enough rainfall or condensation to keep those tanks filled and in use. The OHA volunteers fix things on the spot when they see something that needs to be repaired and are also key in educating other hunters on ethics with guzzlers, including the reminder of the recommended 300-foot spacing for setting up tree stands.”

Most Oregon residents associate the lush Clatsop and Tillamook State Forests as their state forests; but Gilchrist and Sun Pass State Forests in eastern Oregon are different and unique.

“ODF actively manages these state forestlands under forest management plans to provide economic, environmental, and social benefits to Oregonians,” said Petro. “Wildlife plays a big part of all three of those management goals. So, it is critical to have diverse and healthy wildlife populations in all our state forests. One small way to aid that in the Gilchrist is through the guzzlers. Just as important is to have folks actively participate in maintaining and improving their state forests. We thank all the volunteers who help do that.”

For more on Oregon’s state forests see: Oregon Department of Forestry : State forests : Forest resources : State of Oregon

Board Of Forestry Governance Committee Meets July 14 - 07/13/26

SALEM, Ore. — The Board of Forestry Governance Committee will meet virtually at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14. To join, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Annual Board Governance Performance Evaluation (Addendum G)
• Advisory Committee Establishment Procedures (Addendum D)

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged in advance of the meeting by email at boardofforestry@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 Board Policy Manual, 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. Learn more about the committee.