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News Release

Adaptive Management Program Committee Meets Oct. 20 - 10/13/26

SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet virtually at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

 

The committee’s agenda includes:

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.

Adaptive Management Program Committee Meets Oct. 20 - 10/13/26

SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet virtually at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

 

The committee’s agenda includes:

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.

Wolf Creek Shooting Lanes Reopen After $30K In Fire Safety And Operational Improvements (Photo) - 10/13/26

TILLAMOOK STATE FOREST, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) worked with the non-profit Trash No Land to make major improvements to the four shooting lanes at Wolf Creek in the Tillamook State Forest. They reopened the lanes this month after being closed for several weeks to complete the work.

 

“The improvements include increased yardage at the lanes, packed gravel walkways and staging areas, new signage, and fire and other safety improvements,” said Ben Burns, Recreation Facilities Manager for ODF’s State Forests Division. “Thanks to the $30,000 raised by Trash No Lands we were able to get all this work done in just a few weeks.”

 

One of the most notable improvements was the increased yardage for the lanes.

 

“The number one ask from target shooters using the lanes was increased yardage,” said Bill Cogley, president and co-founder of Trash No Land.

Lane 1 was 35 yards, and now it’s 120 yards. Lane 2 was 24 yards, and now it’s 70 yards, Lane 3 was 60 yards plus the 16-yard pistol berm, and it’s now 70 yards with the pistol berm slightly longer at 18 yards, Lane 4 was 80 yards and is now 106 yards.

 

“The 100-yard distance is important because that’s what most hunters and target shooters use to sight in their rifles,” said Cogley. “What people were doing is setting their target way up the backstops in areas with a lot of vegetation to get the 100-yards. During summer that was a big safety concern since those rounds had the potential to start fires.”

 

Cogley and Burns are confident the new 100-yard plus lanes will greatly reduce that hazard.

 

“We also did a lot of vegetation management before the contractor started work,” said Burns. “Crews from South Fork Forest Camp (SFFC) cleared out brush and dry vegetation on the sides and back of the lanes to improve fire safety.”

 

SFFC is jointly run by ODF and the Department of Corrections and does many construction and maintenance projects in Tillamook State Forest. They also provide trained fire crews during wildfire season.

 

The other big improvement at the lanes was the addition of gravel.

 

“These lanes often were a muddy mess six-to-eight months out of the year,” said Cogley. “It made it inconvenient and messy to stand and walk out to set up and retrieve targets. So, some folks were kind of lazy and didn’t want to walk through the mud to pick up their used targets and pack out their other trash if it was wet and muddy. Now the lanes have gravel walkways out to set up the targets and gravel behind the Jersey barriers where folks shoot from. Our hope is this will greatly reduce the trash left at the ranges.”

 

Although the walkways are not ADA compliant, they do provide better wheelchair access.

 

“One of our board members uses a wheelchair so he was an advocate for making the walkways easy to use for those with mobility issues,” said Cogley. “The compacted gravel makes that possible now.”

 

The other improvement was better informational signage.

 

“Increased use of visuals on the signs make them quicker and easier to read and the repaired wood kiosks at each lane should make them more durable,” said Burns

 

Trash No Land also repainted the concrete Jersey barriers with a camouflage design, scrubbed graffiti off of boulders and picked up trash.

 

“Our hope is with all these improvements the estimated 25,000 yearly users of the lanes will take better care of them,” said Cogley. “Without a doubt these are the best public land shooting lanes in the entire Northwest which is why you see so many shooters out here.”

 

Cogley appreciates the 10-year working relationship with ODF.

 

“Our non-profit became official back in 2017, and we started it because of ODF’s willingness to listen, work and improve Wolf Creek in a collaborative manner.  It’s truly a win-win for everyone.”

 

For more information about volunteer opportunities, see the Trash No Land website.

For current regulations, updates and closures, visit the Tillamook State Forest target shooting website or contact the ODF Forest Grove office at (503) 357-2191.

For more information about Trash No Land and volunteer opportunities, see the Trash No Land website.

Attached Media Files: Thanks to the non-profit Trash No Lands who put more than $30,000 toward improvements at Wolf Creek Shooting Lanes recreational shooters now have longer lanes, gravel staging areas, gravel walkways, new informational signs, repainted Jersey barriers and improved backstops. Two of the lanes are now more than 100-yards long. This is a big change since most rifle hunters and target shooters prefer to sight-in and target shoot their firearms at that 100-yard distance., ODF repaired the kiosks and made new informational signs to help target shooters use the lanes in a safe and fire-wise manner. It’s estimated 25,000 people use the ranges each year. The lanes are open every day from dawn until dusk, unless there are fire or maintenance closures. There are no fees to use the lanes., Adults in custody work crews from South Fork Forest Camp cleared the sides and backstop areas of all four shooting lanes. This fire mitigation was a critical first step before other improvements were made at Wolf Creek. South Fork Forest Camp, in the Tillamook State Forest, is jointly run by ODF and the Department of Corrections., The lane 3 area at the Wolf Creek Shooting Lanes is now 70-yards and 18-yards. The shorter lane is typically used for target shooting with a pistol. The reworked backstops improve safety and help minimize wildfire starts., In 2015 Wolf Creek was just a common use dispersed shooting area in the Tillamook State Forests. ODF staff and a group of volunteer target shooters develop a plan and began work in the area in 2016. Some of those volunteers formed the non-profit Trash No Land and has been working with ODF the last 10 years to make improvements and maintain the shooting lanes.,

Wolf Creek Shooting Lanes Reopen After $30K In Fire Safety And Operational Improvements (Photo) - 10/13/26

TILLAMOOK STATE FOREST, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) worked with the non-profit Trash No Land to make major improvements to the four shooting lanes at Wolf Creek in the Tillamook State Forest. They reopened the lanes this month after being closed for several weeks to complete the work.

 

“The improvements include increased yardage at the lanes, packed gravel walkways and staging areas, new signage, and fire and other safety improvements,” said Ben Burns, Recreation Facilities Manager for ODF’s State Forests Division. “Thanks to the $30,000 raised by Trash No Lands we were able to get all this work done in just a few weeks.”

 

One of the most notable improvements was the increased yardage for the lanes.

 

“The number one ask from target shooters using the lanes was increased yardage,” said Bill Cogley, president and co-founder of Trash No Land.

Lane 1 was 35 yards, and now it’s 120 yards. Lane 2 was 24 yards, and now it’s 70 yards, Lane 3 was 60 yards plus the 16-yard pistol berm, and it’s now 70 yards with the pistol berm slightly longer at 18 yards, Lane 4 was 80 yards and is now 106 yards.

 

“The 100-yard distance is important because that’s what most hunters and target shooters use to sight in their rifles,” said Cogley. “What people were doing is setting their target way up the backstops in areas with a lot of vegetation to get the 100-yards. During summer that was a big safety concern since those rounds had the potential to start fires.”

 

Cogley and Burns are confident the new 100-yard plus lanes will greatly reduce that hazard.

 

“We also did a lot of vegetation management before the contractor started work,” said Burns. “Crews from South Fork Forest Camp (SFFC) cleared out brush and dry vegetation on the sides and back of the lanes to improve fire safety.”

 

SFFC is jointly run by ODF and the Department of Corrections and does many construction and maintenance projects in Tillamook State Forest. They also provide trained fire crews during wildfire season.

 

The other big improvement at the lanes was the addition of gravel.

 

“These lanes often were a muddy mess six-to-eight months out of the year,” said Cogley. “It made it inconvenient and messy to stand and walk out to set up and retrieve targets. So, some folks were kind of lazy and didn’t want to walk through the mud to pick up their used targets and pack out their other trash if it was wet and muddy. Now the lanes have gravel walkways out to set up the targets and gravel behind the Jersey barriers where folks shoot from. Our hope is this will greatly reduce the trash left at the ranges.”

 

Although the walkways are not ADA compliant, they do provide better wheelchair access.

 

“One of our board members uses a wheelchair so he was an advocate for making the walkways easy to use for those with mobility issues,” said Cogley. “The compacted gravel makes that possible now.”

 

The other improvement was better informational signage.

 

“Increased use of visuals on the signs make them quicker and easier to read and the repaired wood kiosks at each lane should make them more durable,” said Burns

 

Trash No Land also repainted the concrete Jersey barriers with a camouflage design, scrubbed graffiti off of boulders and picked up trash.

 

“Our hope is with all these improvements the estimated 25,000 yearly users of the lanes will take better care of them,” said Cogley. “Without a doubt these are the best public land shooting lanes in the entire Northwest which is why you see so many shooters out here.”

 

Cogley appreciates the 10-year working relationship with ODF.

 

“Our non-profit became official back in 2017, and we started it because of ODF’s willingness to listen, work and improve Wolf Creek in a collaborative manner.  It’s truly a win-win for everyone.”

 

For more information about volunteer opportunities, see the Trash No Land website.

For current regulations, updates and closures, visit the Tillamook State Forest target shooting website or contact the ODF Forest Grove office at (503) 357-2191.

For more information about Trash No Land and volunteer opportunities, see the Trash No Land website.

Attached Media Files: Thanks to the non-profit Trash No Lands who put more than $30,000 toward improvements at Wolf Creek Shooting Lanes recreational shooters now have longer lanes, gravel staging areas, gravel walkways, new informational signs, repainted Jersey barriers and improved backstops. Two of the lanes are now more than 100-yards long. This is a big change since most rifle hunters and target shooters prefer to sight-in and target shoot their firearms at that 100-yard distance., ODF repaired the kiosks and made new informational signs to help target shooters use the lanes in a safe and fire-wise manner. It’s estimated 25,000 people use the ranges each year. The lanes are open every day from dawn until dusk, unless there are fire or maintenance closures. There are no fees to use the lanes., Adults in custody work crews from South Fork Forest Camp cleared the sides and backstop areas of all four shooting lanes. This fire mitigation was a critical first step before other improvements were made at Wolf Creek. South Fork Forest Camp, in the Tillamook State Forest, is jointly run by ODF and the Department of Corrections., The lane 3 area at the Wolf Creek Shooting Lanes is now 70-yards and 18-yards. The shorter lane is typically used for target shooting with a pistol. The reworked backstops improve safety and help minimize wildfire starts., In 2015 Wolf Creek was just a common use dispersed shooting area in the Tillamook State Forests. ODF staff and a group of volunteer target shooters develop a plan and began work in the area in 2016. Some of those volunteers formed the non-profit Trash No Land and has been working with ODF the last 10 years to make improvements and maintain the shooting lanes.,

Board Of Forestry Hosts A Three-day Planning Retreat And Field Tour From Oct. 26 – 28 - 10/12/26

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet for a planning retreat on Oct. 26 through 28. The retreat’s three-day itinerary will include an executive session, field tour and public meetings. The planning retreat offers the board and department leadership the opportunity to connect on their shared strategic plan.

 

The public can attend in-person at the Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites, 2525 Ashland Street, Ashland or observe via a livestream on the department’s YouTube page.

 

During this informal retreat, board members will focus on:

  • Board member and executive team introductions
  • Agency overview
  • Vision for Oregon’s Forests
  • Executive Session
  • Executive Order 25-26 Climate Resilience Work Plan
  • Board Work Plans
  • Board discussion

View the agenda and retreat details.

 

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.

 

This meeting will not have live public testimony, but written comments can be submitted before or up to two weeks after the meeting day by mail to the Board Support Office, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310 or email to boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. Please include the appropriate agenda item and topic with the submission.

 

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling 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.

Board Of Forestry Hosts A Three-day Planning Retreat And Field Tour From Oct. 26 – 28 - 10/12/26

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet for a planning retreat on Oct. 26 through 28. The retreat’s three-day itinerary will include an executive session, field tour and public meetings. The planning retreat offers the board and department leadership the opportunity to connect on their shared strategic plan.

 

The public can attend in-person at the Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites, 2525 Ashland Street, Ashland or observe via a livestream on the department’s YouTube page.

 

During this informal retreat, board members will focus on:

  • Board member and executive team introductions
  • Agency overview
  • Vision for Oregon’s Forests
  • Executive Session
  • Executive Order 25-26 Climate Resilience Work Plan
  • Board Work Plans
  • Board discussion

View the agenda and retreat details.

 

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.

 

This meeting will not have live public testimony, but written comments can be submitted before or up to two weeks after the meeting day by mail to the Board Support Office, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310 or email to boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. Please include the appropriate agenda item and topic with the submission.

 

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling 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.

Oregon Dept. Of Forestry Is Reducing Wildfire Risk And Improving Forest Health With A $10 Million Investment In On-the-ground Projects In Southern And Central Oregon (Photo) - 10/12/26

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon is working to reduce wildfire risk, improve forest health, and protect communities by investing $10 million in projects that are part of the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) landscape resiliency approach. 

 

The current grant awards will fund joint projects in Douglas, Grant, Jackson, and Josephine counties. The projects will reduce hazardous fuels, restore fire-adapted landscapes, and improve landscape resilience across more than 6,400 acres. 

 

Forest Resources Division Chief Josh Barnard said, “with more than 2 million acres burned by wildfires in Oregon so far in 2026, this work has become more important than ever. Every responsibly managed acre helps reduce wildfire risk around communities and improves the long-term health of Oregon’s forests and rangelands.” 

 

The ODF landscape resiliency effort is Oregon’s primary all-lands investment hub to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires before fires even start. This approach supports efforts across public, private, and Tribal lands that are part of Oregon’s 20-year landscape resiliency strategy. The goal is to coordinate and complete landscape-scale work that helps forests and protects communities. 

 

This year’s investments continue Oregon’s commitment to put wildfire risk reduction and landscape resiliency dollars to work where it matters most – on the ground. 

 

“This year’s projects demonstrate what can get done when local communities, landowners, Tribes, federal agencies and partners work toward shared goals – protecting our communities and stewarding natural resources,” said Barnard. 

 

ODF is focusing on larger forest resiliency by reducing tree density in some areas and planting better adapted trees in others. 

 

“ODF is improving methods to enhance landscape resiliency to better protect our forests from large disturbance events,” said ODF Forest Entomologist Christine Buhl. “We are building tools to better diagnose problems and offering strategies and resources to landowners to help them do adaptive management. This includes metrics to help identify site and climate conditions and where stress is predicted. These tools and identification processes are a part of how we prepare and recover from stress from heat and droughts, insect pests and diseases, and wildfires.”

 

The projects funded in this round include: 

  • Douglas County

ODF will invest $1.29 million through the Little River Landscape Resiliency Project. This project will create strategic fuel breaks along Lane Mountain, the Little River drainage and Cavitt Creek. These breaks will improve firefighter access and reduce wildfire intensity in high-risk areas. 

  • Josephine and Jackson counties

The two southern Oregon counties will see $4.85 million invested through the Hotshot Rx Connect project. This project will thin forest stands and use prescribed fire across almost 2,700 acres. The work will reduce hazardous fuels, restore forest health, and improve wildfire response access. 

  • Grant County

ODF is investing $3.46 million into the John Day Landscape Resiliency Project. The work will include thinning forests, removing junipers that compete with more valuable timber trees for water, and planning ongoing wildfire risk reduction across 3,400 acres. The plan will reduce wildfire risk and improve landscape resilience. One example is a 57-acre prescribed burn of thinned areas on private ponderosa pine forest near Monument. That burn was carried out by the Prescribed Burn Association, a collaboration that included OSU, ODF, Soil and Water Conservation Service, and local landowners.

 

This year’s investment lays the groundwork for future success. The funds will help develop new landscape plans that align priorities among the USDA Forest Stewardship Program, Natural Resources Conservation Service, ODF, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. These plans pinpoint priority landscapes, improve coordination, and guide investments. 

 

ODF continues to strengthen this all-lands investment approach with ongoing funding and better coordination between local ODF districts, other public agencies, tribes, private landowners and local communities to identify and complete the highest-priority projects. 

 

Beyond funding individual treatments, ODF bridges state and federal programs through collaborative planning, leveraging investments, and coordinating cross-boundary work to produce larger, more meaningful impacts. 

 

An example of this coordinated work is the Central Oregon Shared Stewardship Project. Partners in the project, including ODF and multiple soil and water conservation districts among others, thinned ponderosa pine forest and cut brush along roadsides near Black Butte Ranch.  After the work was complete, this summer the 27,491-acre Akawa Butte Fire came through, burning part of the treated area.

 

“Because of the work done in this area, firefighters were able to fight the fire from safer places along roads where there was less fuel,” said ODF’s State Initiatives Grant Coordinator Jenna Nelson. “It also allowed fire fighters to immediately backburn the treated land without having to prepare it first, saving precious time. The back burns consumed fuel ahead of the advancing fire front, stopping it in those areas. Because treated areas burned with lower intensity, they will also have a better chance at recovering, with a high percentage of trees surviving.”

 

Landowners and partners interested in participating in future landscape resiliency projects are encouraged to contact their local ODF office. 

Previous Landscape Resiliency Program projects can be viewed at Oregon Department of Forestry : Landscape Resiliency Program : State of Oregon. 

                                                                                          # # # 

Attached Media Files: Firefighters set a prescribed burn in an area of ponderosa pine forest near Monument in late September. The area was thinned of brush and overcrowded trees as part of a collaborative effort by ODF and multiple partners to improve forest health and resiliency and reduce risk of high-intensity wildfire.,

Oregon Dept. Of Forestry Is Reducing Wildfire Risk And Improving Forest Health With A $10 Million Investment In On-the-ground Projects In Southern And Central Oregon (Photo) - 10/12/26

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon is working to reduce wildfire risk, improve forest health, and protect communities by investing $10 million in projects that are part of the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) landscape resiliency approach. 

 

The current grant awards will fund joint projects in Douglas, Grant, Jackson, and Josephine counties. The projects will reduce hazardous fuels, restore fire-adapted landscapes, and improve landscape resilience across more than 6,400 acres. 

 

Forest Resources Division Chief Josh Barnard said, “with more than 2 million acres burned by wildfires in Oregon so far in 2026, this work has become more important than ever. Every responsibly managed acre helps reduce wildfire risk around communities and improves the long-term health of Oregon’s forests and rangelands.” 

 

The ODF landscape resiliency effort is Oregon’s primary all-lands investment hub to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires before fires even start. This approach supports efforts across public, private, and Tribal lands that are part of Oregon’s 20-year landscape resiliency strategy. The goal is to coordinate and complete landscape-scale work that helps forests and protects communities. 

 

This year’s investments continue Oregon’s commitment to put wildfire risk reduction and landscape resiliency dollars to work where it matters most – on the ground. 

 

“This year’s projects demonstrate what can get done when local communities, landowners, Tribes, federal agencies and partners work toward shared goals – protecting our communities and stewarding natural resources,” said Barnard. 

 

ODF is focusing on larger forest resiliency by reducing tree density in some areas and planting better adapted trees in others. 

 

“ODF is improving methods to enhance landscape resiliency to better protect our forests from large disturbance events,” said ODF Forest Entomologist Christine Buhl. “We are building tools to better diagnose problems and offering strategies and resources to landowners to help them do adaptive management. This includes metrics to help identify site and climate conditions and where stress is predicted. These tools and identification processes are a part of how we prepare and recover from stress from heat and droughts, insect pests and diseases, and wildfires.”

 

The projects funded in this round include: 

  • Douglas County

ODF will invest $1.29 million through the Little River Landscape Resiliency Project. This project will create strategic fuel breaks along Lane Mountain, the Little River drainage and Cavitt Creek. These breaks will improve firefighter access and reduce wildfire intensity in high-risk areas. 

  • Josephine and Jackson counties

The two southern Oregon counties will see $4.85 million invested through the Hotshot Rx Connect project. This project will thin forest stands and use prescribed fire across almost 2,700 acres. The work will reduce hazardous fuels, restore forest health, and improve wildfire response access. 

  • Grant County

ODF is investing $3.46 million into the John Day Landscape Resiliency Project. The work will include thinning forests, removing junipers that compete with more valuable timber trees for water, and planning ongoing wildfire risk reduction across 3,400 acres. The plan will reduce wildfire risk and improve landscape resilience. One example is a 57-acre prescribed burn of thinned areas on private ponderosa pine forest near Monument. That burn was carried out by the Prescribed Burn Association, a collaboration that included OSU, ODF, Soil and Water Conservation Service, and local landowners.

 

This year’s investment lays the groundwork for future success. The funds will help develop new landscape plans that align priorities among the USDA Forest Stewardship Program, Natural Resources Conservation Service, ODF, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. These plans pinpoint priority landscapes, improve coordination, and guide investments. 

 

ODF continues to strengthen this all-lands investment approach with ongoing funding and better coordination between local ODF districts, other public agencies, tribes, private landowners and local communities to identify and complete the highest-priority projects. 

 

Beyond funding individual treatments, ODF bridges state and federal programs through collaborative planning, leveraging investments, and coordinating cross-boundary work to produce larger, more meaningful impacts. 

 

An example of this coordinated work is the Central Oregon Shared Stewardship Project. Partners in the project, including ODF and multiple soil and water conservation districts among others, thinned ponderosa pine forest and cut brush along roadsides near Black Butte Ranch.  After the work was complete, this summer the 27,491-acre Akawa Butte Fire came through, burning part of the treated area.

 

“Because of the work done in this area, firefighters were able to fight the fire from safer places along roads where there was less fuel,” said ODF’s State Initiatives Grant Coordinator Jenna Nelson. “It also allowed fire fighters to immediately backburn the treated land without having to prepare it first, saving precious time. The back burns consumed fuel ahead of the advancing fire front, stopping it in those areas. Because treated areas burned with lower intensity, they will also have a better chance at recovering, with a high percentage of trees surviving.”

 

Landowners and partners interested in participating in future landscape resiliency projects are encouraged to contact their local ODF office. 

Previous Landscape Resiliency Program projects can be viewed at Oregon Department of Forestry : Landscape Resiliency Program : State of Oregon. 

                                                                                          # # # 

Attached Media Files: Firefighters set a prescribed burn in an area of ponderosa pine forest near Monument in late September. The area was thinned of brush and overcrowded trees as part of a collaborative effort by ODF and multiple partners to improve forest health and resiliency and reduce risk of high-intensity wildfire.,

ODF Reminds Oregonians To Check Local Regulations - 10/09/26

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry understands that with wildfire regulations changing at the city, county and state level, knowing what the fire restrictions are in your area may be confusing. Here are some quick Q&As to help clear up some of that confusion.

 

When can I burn my yard debris?

 

Across Oregon there are multiple jurisdictions that vary from city to county to state to federal, and each may have different restrictions on fire. While in fire season, debris burning is prohibited on ODF-protected lands. But what if you’re outside of ODF jurisdiction?

 

The easiest way to look up if it is safe to burn your yard debris is to visit beforeyouburn.net. The Before You Burn program simplifies and coordinates burns and provides real-time information to ensure the safety of Oregon’s communities. The online system empowers community members with the knowledge they need to comply with local regulations and burn responsibly.

 

What if I want to have a campfire?

 

Oregon is well known for its beautiful landscapes and forests, making outdoor recreation one of the most popular pastimes in the state. To keep these beautiful forests, it’s important to check the local regulations of the area or the regulations at state or national park you’re camping in. Campfires may be allowed but only in designated sites and, depending on fire danger, they may not be allowed at all.

 

Regulations may vary depending on where you are, so using the public resources available will make planning your trip much easier.

The common theme, especially during this time of year, is to check local regulations before you go. Taking that extra step will help protect Oregon’s forests from wildfire and keep them open for recreation.

 

What about the prescribed fires around me? Is that safe?

 

Prescribed burning is a valuable tool for maintaining a healthy forest, reducing wildfire smoke and reducing risks to public safety. These fires are thoroughly planned throughout the year to meet ecological objectives and are only lit when weather and fuel conditions are favorable to protect sensitive communities and areas from their smoke. If conditions change and are deemed unfavorable, the burn is postponed.

ODF Reminds Oregonians To Check Local Regulations - 10/09/26

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry understands that with wildfire regulations changing at the city, county and state level, knowing what the fire restrictions are in your area may be confusing. Here are some quick Q&As to help clear up some of that confusion.

 

When can I burn my yard debris?

 

Across Oregon there are multiple jurisdictions that vary from city to county to state to federal, and each may have different restrictions on fire. While in fire season, debris burning is prohibited on ODF-protected lands. But what if you’re outside of ODF jurisdiction?

 

The easiest way to look up if it is safe to burn your yard debris is to visit beforeyouburn.net. The Before You Burn program simplifies and coordinates burns and provides real-time information to ensure the safety of Oregon’s communities. The online system empowers community members with the knowledge they need to comply with local regulations and burn responsibly.

 

What if I want to have a campfire?

 

Oregon is well known for its beautiful landscapes and forests, making outdoor recreation one of the most popular pastimes in the state. To keep these beautiful forests, it’s important to check the local regulations of the area or the regulations at state or national park you’re camping in. Campfires may be allowed but only in designated sites and, depending on fire danger, they may not be allowed at all.

 

Regulations may vary depending on where you are, so using the public resources available will make planning your trip much easier.

The common theme, especially during this time of year, is to check local regulations before you go. Taking that extra step will help protect Oregon’s forests from wildfire and keep them open for recreation.

 

What about the prescribed fires around me? Is that safe?

 

Prescribed burning is a valuable tool for maintaining a healthy forest, reducing wildfire smoke and reducing risks to public safety. These fires are thoroughly planned throughout the year to meet ecological objectives and are only lit when weather and fuel conditions are favorable to protect sensitive communities and areas from their smoke. If conditions change and are deemed unfavorable, the burn is postponed.

Regional Forest Practice Committee For Eastern Oregon Meets Oct. 8 - 10/01/26

SALEM, Ore. — The Regional Forest Practice Committee for eastern Oregon will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8 at the ODF Office, 611 20th St., La Grande. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please email forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.

 

The committee’s agenda includes:

  • Division and field updates
  • Compliance monitoring update
  • Forest Practices Act training update
  • Operator of the Year
  • Workplan development
  • Technical guidance development

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

 

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

 

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

 

Regional Forest Practice Committee For Eastern Oregon Meets Oct. 8 - 10/01/26

SALEM, Ore. — The Regional Forest Practice Committee for eastern Oregon will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8 at the ODF Office, 611 20th St., La Grande. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please email forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.

 

The committee’s agenda includes:

  • Division and field updates
  • Compliance monitoring update
  • Forest Practices Act training update
  • Operator of the Year
  • Workplan development
  • Technical guidance development

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

 

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

 

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

 

Fire Season Continues In Lane County — No Set Date For Backyard Burning To Begin - 09/29/26

Lane County, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Western Lane and South Cascade Districts and the Lane Fire Defense Board (LFDB) want to remind Lane County residents it is still fire season. There is no fixed date when fire season will end, but ODF and LFDB say current conditions suggest it could run until mid-October at the earliest.

 

The end of fire season is based on factors like rainfall, temperatures, and fuel moisture returning to safe levels. Until the end of fire season, all backyard debris burning, regulated by the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA), remains prohibited for all of Lane County.

 

This summer was one of Oregon's most severe fire seasons on record, with more than 2.5 million acres burned statewide. Recent rain and cooler temperatures have lowered the wildfire risk; however, there is not significant precipitation expected in the extended weather forecast.

 

“The rain in September was very welcomed given the record-breaking fire season. However, we will need more precipitation and better fuel conditions to end fire season,” said Ole Buch, ODF Western Lane District Forester. “Restrictions associated with fire season are in place as a fire prevention tool to protect Oregon’s natural resources and communities.”

 

Outdoor yard debris burning is always prohibited during an active fire season, even when fire danger is rated low. Residents who start a wildfire in Oregon can be held responsible for the cost of putting it out.

 

“Some people have the misperception that Oct. 1 is a hard start date for backyard burning,” said Matt Sorensen, LRAPA Public Affairs Manager. “It’s not — Oct. 1 is simply the earliest possible date LRAPA’s rules allow.”

Sorensen continued, “Wildfire smoke is the number one driver of poor air quality, and it only takes one escaped fire to cause really bad air quality impacts. That’s why ODF, the Lane Fire Defense Board, and LRAPA are asking everyone to be patient and wait for the end of fire season.”

 

Leaders at ODF and the Lane Fire Defense Board say the exact date for the end of fire season will be shared as soon as it is determined.

 

Even after fire season officially ends, residents should check local fire restrictions and fire danger levels (http://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx) before lighting any fire.

 

Wildfire prevention best practices:

•  Outdoor yard debris burning remains the number one cause of human-caused fires in Oregon and is prohibited during fire season. Cover your pile and wait until fire season is declared over before burning. A dry, covered pile is cleaner and safer to burn in the late fall and winter. Visit beforeyouburn.net for real-time updates on burning regulations and safe burning practices.

•  Check local restrictions before lighting a campfire or warming fire.

•  Never leave a fire unattended.

•  Make sure your fire is OUT COLD. Drown it with water, stir the ashes, and repeat the process until it is cold to touch. Any warmth means it can reignite later.

 

For real-time burning regulations, visit beforeyouburn.net. For more wildfire prevention tips, visit keeporegongreen.org.

 

Fire Season Continues In Lane County — No Set Date For Backyard Burning To Begin - 09/29/26

Lane County, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Western Lane and South Cascade Districts and the Lane Fire Defense Board (LFDB) want to remind Lane County residents it is still fire season. There is no fixed date when fire season will end, but ODF and LFDB say current conditions suggest it could run until mid-October at the earliest.

 

The end of fire season is based on factors like rainfall, temperatures, and fuel moisture returning to safe levels. Until the end of fire season, all backyard debris burning, regulated by the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA), remains prohibited for all of Lane County.

 

This summer was one of Oregon's most severe fire seasons on record, with more than 2.5 million acres burned statewide. Recent rain and cooler temperatures have lowered the wildfire risk; however, there is not significant precipitation expected in the extended weather forecast.

 

“The rain in September was very welcomed given the record-breaking fire season. However, we will need more precipitation and better fuel conditions to end fire season,” said Ole Buch, ODF Western Lane District Forester. “Restrictions associated with fire season are in place as a fire prevention tool to protect Oregon’s natural resources and communities.”

 

Outdoor yard debris burning is always prohibited during an active fire season, even when fire danger is rated low. Residents who start a wildfire in Oregon can be held responsible for the cost of putting it out.

 

“Some people have the misperception that Oct. 1 is a hard start date for backyard burning,” said Matt Sorensen, LRAPA Public Affairs Manager. “It’s not — Oct. 1 is simply the earliest possible date LRAPA’s rules allow.”

Sorensen continued, “Wildfire smoke is the number one driver of poor air quality, and it only takes one escaped fire to cause really bad air quality impacts. That’s why ODF, the Lane Fire Defense Board, and LRAPA are asking everyone to be patient and wait for the end of fire season.”

 

Leaders at ODF and the Lane Fire Defense Board say the exact date for the end of fire season will be shared as soon as it is determined.

 

Even after fire season officially ends, residents should check local fire restrictions and fire danger levels (http://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx) before lighting any fire.

 

Wildfire prevention best practices:

•  Outdoor yard debris burning remains the number one cause of human-caused fires in Oregon and is prohibited during fire season. Cover your pile and wait until fire season is declared over before burning. A dry, covered pile is cleaner and safer to burn in the late fall and winter. Visit beforeyouburn.net for real-time updates on burning regulations and safe burning practices.

•  Check local restrictions before lighting a campfire or warming fire.

•  Never leave a fire unattended.

•  Make sure your fire is OUT COLD. Drown it with water, stir the ashes, and repeat the process until it is cold to touch. Any warmth means it can reignite later.

 

For real-time burning regulations, visit beforeyouburn.net. For more wildfire prevention tips, visit keeporegongreen.org.

 

ODF Central Oregon District Updates Fire Regulations - 09/25/26

Prineville, Ore. – Effective September 26, 2026, at 12:01 a.m., the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District (COD) will be dropping the fire danger level to MODERATE. The John Day and Prineville units, the Monument, Sisters, and Fossil sub-units, will also be terminating their regulated use closures.  

 

These changes to fire restrictions and regulated use primarily affect ODF protected lands in Harney, Grant, Gillam, Umatilla, Wheeler, Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes counties.

 

In all counties across COD, debris burning is still prohibited without a burn permit. If you have questions regarding your local burn status, please reach out to your local ODF office or fire department.

 

The Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents not to become complacent in wildfire prevention. We are still in fire season, meaning that the risk of wildfire is still there. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org  

 

Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply depending on the various fire risks through the end of fire season. For more information on IFPL restrictions and public use restrictions, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

 

For more information on the Central Oregon District and fire season regulations, visit https://odfcentraloregon.com/.

 

ODF Central Oregon District Updates Fire Regulations - 09/25/26

Prineville, Ore. – Effective September 26, 2026, at 12:01 a.m., the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District (COD) will be dropping the fire danger level to MODERATE. The John Day and Prineville units, the Monument, Sisters, and Fossil sub-units, will also be terminating their regulated use closures.  

 

These changes to fire restrictions and regulated use primarily affect ODF protected lands in Harney, Grant, Gillam, Umatilla, Wheeler, Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes counties.

 

In all counties across COD, debris burning is still prohibited without a burn permit. If you have questions regarding your local burn status, please reach out to your local ODF office or fire department.

 

The Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents not to become complacent in wildfire prevention. We are still in fire season, meaning that the risk of wildfire is still there. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org  

 

Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply depending on the various fire risks through the end of fire season. For more information on IFPL restrictions and public use restrictions, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

 

For more information on the Central Oregon District and fire season regulations, visit https://odfcentraloregon.com/.

 

Smoke Management Rulemaking Advisory Committee Meets Sept. 23 - 09/17/26

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

 

This will include multiple work sessions and opportunity for public comment.

 

The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 23. There will be a period for public comment at 2 p.m. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. 

 

You can view the previous meetings on the website. More may be scheduled in the future. All meetings will be held virtually and are open to the public. 

 

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.

Smoke Management Rulemaking Advisory Committee Meets Sept. 23 - 09/17/26

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

 

This will include multiple work sessions and opportunity for public comment.

 

The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 23. There will be a period for public comment at 2 p.m. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. 

 

You can view the previous meetings on the website. More may be scheduled in the future. All meetings will be held virtually and are open to the public. 

 

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.

MEDIA ALERT: Sixth Graders From Clatsop County Get Hands-on Experience In Possible Forestry Careers. - 09/17/26

Sixth graders from Clatsop County get hands-on experience in possible forestry careers. Anticipate approximately 400 students from area schools will rotate through 10 different stations.

 

What: Watch students from all Clatsop County schools participate and rotate through 10 different stations: tree planting, plant identification, wildland fire fighting, wood products, fisheries, recreation, wildlife rescue, restoration, fungi in the forest and tree measurements.

 

Visuals: See students receive hands-on training on how to plant trees, use a fire hose to hit a target, learn about on-site local fish, take a hike, ID plants and much more.

 

People on-site available to interview: Students and teachers, experts from the Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State University Extension Service, Oregon Parks and Recreation, Clatsop County Fisheries, Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Wildlife Center of the North Coast, Oregon Women in Timber, Hampton Lumber, Nuveen Natural Capital, North Coast Watershed Association as well other local volunteers.  

 

When: Thursday, September 24, 2026

 

Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Best visuals and station rotations occur 9 a.m.–noon. Note: This is a two-day event but photo release and coordination for spokespeople are for Sept 24 only, NOT the first day, Sept. 23.

 

Where: ODF’s Demonstration Forest and Arboretum adjacent to the Clatsop County Fairgrounds and ODF’s district offices. Address for ODF office: 92219 OR-202, Astoria, OR 97103

 

Please send an RSVP by end of the day Sept. 22 so we can plan to have people available for interviews. All stations are outdoors so dress for the weather that day. RSVP to Jessica.NEUJAHR@odf.oregon.gov.  For more information contact: Jessica Neujahr, ODF public affairs, (503) 983-3367 (cell phone good for day of the event too). If your schedule changes, we can accommodate last-minute coverage.

 

Fast facts background and purpose:

  • The event has been hosted by the Clatsop County natural resource community since 1960.
  • More than 400 students attend each year.
  • Top goal is to get students interested in exploring and learning about the broad career opportunities in forestry and natural resources.
  • Highlights the partnerships it takes to manage forests for all Oregonians.

 

List of stations:

 

Agency

Topic

1

ODF – Astoria

Tree Planting

2

Lewis and Clark Nat’l. Historic Park

Plant ID

3

Oregon Women in Timber

Tree Measurements

4

North Coast Watershed Assoc.

Restoration

5

ODF – Tillamook Forest Center

Recreation

6

ODF – Astoria

Wildland Fire Fighting

7

Wildlife Center of the North Coast

Wildlife Rescue

8

Clatsop County Fisheries

Fisheries

9

Oregon Parks and Recreation

Fungi in the Forest

10

Hampton & Nuveen

Wood Products

MEDIA ALERT: Sixth Graders From Clatsop County Get Hands-on Experience In Possible Forestry Careers. - 09/17/26

Sixth graders from Clatsop County get hands-on experience in possible forestry careers. Anticipate approximately 400 students from area schools will rotate through 10 different stations.

 

What: Watch students from all Clatsop County schools participate and rotate through 10 different stations: tree planting, plant identification, wildland fire fighting, wood products, fisheries, recreation, wildlife rescue, restoration, fungi in the forest and tree measurements.

 

Visuals: See students receive hands-on training on how to plant trees, use a fire hose to hit a target, learn about on-site local fish, take a hike, ID plants and much more.

 

People on-site available to interview: Students and teachers, experts from the Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State University Extension Service, Oregon Parks and Recreation, Clatsop County Fisheries, Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Wildlife Center of the North Coast, Oregon Women in Timber, Hampton Lumber, Nuveen Natural Capital, North Coast Watershed Association as well other local volunteers.  

 

When: Thursday, September 24, 2026

 

Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Best visuals and station rotations occur 9 a.m.–noon. Note: This is a two-day event but photo release and coordination for spokespeople are for Sept 24 only, NOT the first day, Sept. 23.

 

Where: ODF’s Demonstration Forest and Arboretum adjacent to the Clatsop County Fairgrounds and ODF’s district offices. Address for ODF office: 92219 OR-202, Astoria, OR 97103

 

Please send an RSVP by end of the day Sept. 22 so we can plan to have people available for interviews. All stations are outdoors so dress for the weather that day. RSVP to Jessica.NEUJAHR@odf.oregon.gov.  For more information contact: Jessica Neujahr, ODF public affairs, (503) 983-3367 (cell phone good for day of the event too). If your schedule changes, we can accommodate last-minute coverage.

 

Fast facts background and purpose:

  • The event has been hosted by the Clatsop County natural resource community since 1960.
  • More than 400 students attend each year.
  • Top goal is to get students interested in exploring and learning about the broad career opportunities in forestry and natural resources.
  • Highlights the partnerships it takes to manage forests for all Oregonians.

 

List of stations:

 

Agency

Topic

1

ODF – Astoria

Tree Planting

2

Lewis and Clark Nat’l. Historic Park

Plant ID

3

Oregon Women in Timber

Tree Measurements

4

North Coast Watershed Assoc.

Restoration

5

ODF – Tillamook Forest Center

Recreation

6

ODF – Astoria

Wildland Fire Fighting

7

Wildlife Center of the North Coast

Wildlife Rescue

8

Clatsop County Fisheries

Fisheries

9

Oregon Parks and Recreation

Fungi in the Forest

10

Hampton & Nuveen

Wood Products

Latest Survey By Air Of Oregon’s Forests Reveals Drought Underlies Many Tree Health Issues (Photo) - 09/16/26

SALEM, Ore. – A new report on the state of health of Oregon’s forests is now available. Based on an extensive aerial survey of Oregon’s forests completed by the Oregon Department of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service, the report shows that while tree death and damage was lower last year than the 10-year average, drought is still a key stressor of Oregon’s forest trees, making it harder for trees to defend against insect pests.

 

The full 2025 report is available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/documents/forestbenefits/fhh-report-2025.pdf

 

ODF Forest Entomologist Christine Buhl helped produce the report. She said drought is often paired with rising temperatures. “Together these are often the underlying cause of tree deaths in our state. Drought reduces tree growth and lowers their defenses against insect pests and some diseases, which healthy trees may otherwise resist or tolerate.”

 

Lower than average death and damage

The report stated that 2025 saw a return to typical precipitation amounts, but spring was the fourth driest on record. A total of 181,500 acres showed death or damage of some kind from one or more causes. The damage was well below the 10-year average and less than half the peak year for damage in 2022. That year, 1.8 percent of Oregon’s 30 million forested acres showed signs of death or damage, compared to 0.7 percent in 2025 and 0.8 percent in 2024.

 

The highest percentage of damage or death was seen in eastern Oregon. Union County was worst affected, with 2.4 percent of its forested acres showing death or damage. This was followed by Umatilla County at 1.24 percent and Harney County at 1.12 percent. Coastal counties and those bordering the Coast Range had the lowest percent of death and damage in their forests.

 

Buhl said a majority (78 percent) of the damage seen from the air this year resulted from the interplay of drought and opportunistic beetles targeting stressed Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), true fir species (Abies spp.), and pine species (Pinus spp.).

 

The report also measures other causes of trees being injured or killed, such as diseases, storms, and wildfires.

 

Levels of tree diseases remain much the same

The report showed the acreage or incidence of common tree diseases were largely unchanged. Researchers noted that this can sometimes be the result of limits to how well such diseases can be detected from the air. An exception is the water mold causing sudden oak death (Phytophthora ramorum). Since its initial discovery near the California border in 2001, it continues steadily spreading north and northwest in Curry County around the community of Port Orford in southwest Oregon by about three to five miles a year.  Sudden oak death infects scores of different shrub and tree species but kills Oregon’s native tanoak trees. The disease is spread by spores blown by the wind to new areas.

 

The State of Oregon is cooperating with federal land managers to slow the spread by identifying newly infected sites and cutting and burning infested vegetation. Private land is also being treated.

Ground-based observations showed that Swiss needle cast disease remains a problem for Douglas-fir growing in areas with high late-spring atmospheric moisture, primarily in the Coast Range. Despite the name, the disease is caused by a fungal pathogen native to the Pacific Northwest.

 

“The fungus affects the needles, causing many of them to be shed prematurely,” says ODF Forest Pathologist Gabriela Ritokova. “This produces a sparse crown and 20 to 50 percent  slower volume growth, reducing the amount of timber the tree produces.”

 

Mild temperatures in winter and spring are believed to favor fungal development, worsening its impact. This is especially true in damp coastal areas formerly dominated by Sitka spruce and western hemlock that have been replanted with Douglas-fir plantations.

 

On the ground collaborators are also important

Buhl emphasized the importance of on-the-ground collaborators to help round out the full picture of forest health in Oregon. “In addition to data ODF and the USDA Forest Service gather, we rely on Oregon State University Forestry Extension staff from across the state, and collaborate with other natural resource agencies, universities, public and private forest landowners, and members of the public to gather information,” she said.

 

In the aerial survey, trained observers fly over all forested lands in the Pacific Northwest in fixed-wing aircraft and record damage to trees from all sources. Flights are staffed with one observer on each side of the aircraft. Survey flights typically fly between 1,500 to 2,500 feet above ground level, following a systematic grid four miles apart and traveling at 90 to 140 miles an hour.

 

The aerial forest health survey is the longest continuous survey of its kind in the United States. It started in 1947 and has been flown every year since. The only exception was in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the annual survey flights in Oregon can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/natural-resources/forest-health/aerial-detection-survey

                                                                               # # #

Attached Media Files: A report on the health of Oregon's forests has just been released showing a dip in acres showing death and damage.,

Latest Survey By Air Of Oregon’s Forests Reveals Drought Underlies Many Tree Health Issues (Photo) - 09/16/26

SALEM, Ore. – A new report on the state of health of Oregon’s forests is now available. Based on an extensive aerial survey of Oregon’s forests completed by the Oregon Department of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service, the report shows that while tree death and damage was lower last year than the 10-year average, drought is still a key stressor of Oregon’s forest trees, making it harder for trees to defend against insect pests.

 

The full 2025 report is available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/documents/forestbenefits/fhh-report-2025.pdf

 

ODF Forest Entomologist Christine Buhl helped produce the report. She said drought is often paired with rising temperatures. “Together these are often the underlying cause of tree deaths in our state. Drought reduces tree growth and lowers their defenses against insect pests and some diseases, which healthy trees may otherwise resist or tolerate.”

 

Lower than average death and damage

The report stated that 2025 saw a return to typical precipitation amounts, but spring was the fourth driest on record. A total of 181,500 acres showed death or damage of some kind from one or more causes. The damage was well below the 10-year average and less than half the peak year for damage in 2022. That year, 1.8 percent of Oregon’s 30 million forested acres showed signs of death or damage, compared to 0.7 percent in 2025 and 0.8 percent in 2024.

 

The highest percentage of damage or death was seen in eastern Oregon. Union County was worst affected, with 2.4 percent of its forested acres showing death or damage. This was followed by Umatilla County at 1.24 percent and Harney County at 1.12 percent. Coastal counties and those bordering the Coast Range had the lowest percent of death and damage in their forests.

 

Buhl said a majority (78 percent) of the damage seen from the air this year resulted from the interplay of drought and opportunistic beetles targeting stressed Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), true fir species (Abies spp.), and pine species (Pinus spp.).

 

The report also measures other causes of trees being injured or killed, such as diseases, storms, and wildfires.

 

Levels of tree diseases remain much the same

The report showed the acreage or incidence of common tree diseases were largely unchanged. Researchers noted that this can sometimes be the result of limits to how well such diseases can be detected from the air. An exception is the water mold causing sudden oak death (Phytophthora ramorum). Since its initial discovery near the California border in 2001, it continues steadily spreading north and northwest in Curry County around the community of Port Orford in southwest Oregon by about three to five miles a year.  Sudden oak death infects scores of different shrub and tree species but kills Oregon’s native tanoak trees. The disease is spread by spores blown by the wind to new areas.

 

The State of Oregon is cooperating with federal land managers to slow the spread by identifying newly infected sites and cutting and burning infested vegetation. Private land is also being treated.

Ground-based observations showed that Swiss needle cast disease remains a problem for Douglas-fir growing in areas with high late-spring atmospheric moisture, primarily in the Coast Range. Despite the name, the disease is caused by a fungal pathogen native to the Pacific Northwest.

 

“The fungus affects the needles, causing many of them to be shed prematurely,” says ODF Forest Pathologist Gabriela Ritokova. “This produces a sparse crown and 20 to 50 percent  slower volume growth, reducing the amount of timber the tree produces.”

 

Mild temperatures in winter and spring are believed to favor fungal development, worsening its impact. This is especially true in damp coastal areas formerly dominated by Sitka spruce and western hemlock that have been replanted with Douglas-fir plantations.

 

On the ground collaborators are also important

Buhl emphasized the importance of on-the-ground collaborators to help round out the full picture of forest health in Oregon. “In addition to data ODF and the USDA Forest Service gather, we rely on Oregon State University Forestry Extension staff from across the state, and collaborate with other natural resource agencies, universities, public and private forest landowners, and members of the public to gather information,” she said.

 

In the aerial survey, trained observers fly over all forested lands in the Pacific Northwest in fixed-wing aircraft and record damage to trees from all sources. Flights are staffed with one observer on each side of the aircraft. Survey flights typically fly between 1,500 to 2,500 feet above ground level, following a systematic grid four miles apart and traveling at 90 to 140 miles an hour.

 

The aerial forest health survey is the longest continuous survey of its kind in the United States. It started in 1947 and has been flown every year since. The only exception was in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the annual survey flights in Oregon can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/natural-resources/forest-health/aerial-detection-survey

                                                                               # # #

Attached Media Files: A report on the health of Oregon's forests has just been released showing a dip in acres showing death and damage.,

Tillamook State Forest Road Restrictions Help With Deer And Elk Management During Hunting Seasons - 09/15/26

TILLAMOOK, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will resume road restrictions this fall in the western part of the Tillamook State Forest to improve deer and elk escapement during hunting season.

 

Some roads will be closed to motorized vehicle use during the general archery and rifle hunting seasons in September, October and November. Selected roads in the Trask, Wilson and Nehalem River areas will be gated and signed. Controlled access during the three-month period is designed to reduce hunting pressure in these areas.

 

Hunters and other recreational users are welcome to access the gated areas by foot, mountain bike, horse or other non-motorized means.

 

ODF is partnering with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and Tillamook Chapter of the Oregon Hunters Association in this program. The partnership has been in place for 22 years and the location of gates change year-to-year based on access needs, stand conditions and operations.

 

Motorized access by ODF staff or contractors working in those areas may occur on occasion. Maps of the road management areas are available at the Tillamook ODF office located at 5005 Third St., Tillamook and on the department’s website. Scroll down the page to “Tillamook State Forest Road Report” to find the maps.

 

If you have questions about the road management program, contact Nick Stumpf at the Tillamook ODF office, 503-842-2545, or Paul Atwood at the Tillamook ODFW office, 503-842-2741.

Tillamook State Forest Road Restrictions Help With Deer And Elk Management During Hunting Seasons - 09/15/26

TILLAMOOK, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will resume road restrictions this fall in the western part of the Tillamook State Forest to improve deer and elk escapement during hunting season.

 

Some roads will be closed to motorized vehicle use during the general archery and rifle hunting seasons in September, October and November. Selected roads in the Trask, Wilson and Nehalem River areas will be gated and signed. Controlled access during the three-month period is designed to reduce hunting pressure in these areas.

 

Hunters and other recreational users are welcome to access the gated areas by foot, mountain bike, horse or other non-motorized means.

 

ODF is partnering with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and Tillamook Chapter of the Oregon Hunters Association in this program. The partnership has been in place for 22 years and the location of gates change year-to-year based on access needs, stand conditions and operations.

 

Motorized access by ODF staff or contractors working in those areas may occur on occasion. Maps of the road management areas are available at the Tillamook ODF office located at 5005 Third St., Tillamook and on the department’s website. Scroll down the page to “Tillamook State Forest Road Report” to find the maps.

 

If you have questions about the road management program, contact Nick Stumpf at the Tillamook ODF office, 503-842-2545, or Paul Atwood at the Tillamook ODFW office, 503-842-2741.