SALEM, Ore.— The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is closing some campground operations on the Clatsop, Tillamook, and Santiam state forests as it does each year as part of its transition to winter operations. On Oct. 2 all seasonal developed campgrounds will be closing, followed by the closure of all seasonal Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) campgrounds on Oct. 31. One exception to the closure plan will be Northrup Creek Horse Camp Campground in the Clatsop State Forest, which will remain open until Dec. 1.
The closures are primarily done for public safety and are impacted by seasonal staffing levels. “As we move into fall, keeping Oregonians safe in the forest is important. With snowfall, high winds, and heavy rainfall it’s essential that we close some campgrounds as conditions change and many become inaccessible,” said Joe Offer, ODF’s Recreation Operations Manager.
Even with the closures, some camping opportunities will remain open and available through the winter months.
Tillamook State Forest
- Closing Oct. 2
- Jones Creek Campground
- Nehalem Falls Campground
- Morrison Eddy Campground
- Gales Creek Campground
- Reehers Camp Campground
- Closing Oct. 31
- Browns Camp Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Campground
- Jordan Creek OHV Campground
- Open Year-Round
- Keenig Creek Campground
- Elk Creek Campground
- Diamond Mill OHV Campground
- Stagecoach Horse Campground
Clatsop State Forest
- Closing Oct. 2
- Spruce Run Campground – Loops B & C
- Beaver Eddy Campground
- Closing Dec. 1
- Northrup Creek Horse Campground
- Open Year-Round Season
- Spruce Run Campground – Loops A & D
- Gnat Creek Campground
- Viewpoint OHV Campground
Santiam State Forest
- Closing Oct. 2
- Santiam Horse Camp
- Rock Creek Campground
More information on recreation opportunities at State Forest campgrounds can be found on our website, ODF Campgrounds.
SALEM, Ore.— The Small Forestland Grant Program received $2.5 million through House Bill 5020 to help reduce wildfire risks for owners of small forestland acreage and people can now apply for the grants.
“The Small Forestland Grant Program is offering funding for projects that reduce wildfire risk through the restoration of landscape resiliency and the reduction of hazardous fuels (vegetation),” said Jenna Trentadue, Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) state initiatives grant coordinator.
The grant program is taking applications now through Nov. 3. Projects must support “small forestland owner(s)” defined as an individual, group or federally recognized Indian tribe in Oregon, who owns up to 160 acres west of the crest of the Cascade Mountains or up to 640 acres east of the crest of the Cascade Mountains. The funding is a new allocation continuing work described in Section 24 of Senate Bill 762.
“The projects may treat multiple private ownerships as long as each owner receiving treatment meets the small forestland owner’s definition,” said Trentadue. “It is beneficial to work together with other landowners or with a sponsor for the application, selection of a contractor, and final reporting requirements.”
Like all government grant submissions, eligibility requirements must be met for this program, here are some of the main ones:
- Projects must reduce the risk of high severity wildfire by treating hazardous fuels and at least 75 percent of project costs must go towards this.
- Total other expenses for the project, including indirect and service costs, are not to exceed 25 percent.
- Requested funding is more than $10,000 and up to $300,000.
- 25 percent leverage is strongly suggested. Sponsor in-kind expenses, landowner labor rates, fuels mitigation, and other state funds are eligible with the exception of the Landscape Resiliency Grant Program.
- All project work would need to be completed by May, 2025.
- Project does not generate net revenue.
- Equipment costs (Equipment is considered a single item over $5,000) are applicable if it meets the intent of the grant to support small forestland owners in reducing wildfire risk through the restoration of landscape resiliency and the reduction of hazardous fuels on the owners’ property, prescribed fire equipment is applicable, however fire suppression equipment is not.
For a complete application package and all requirements visit the ODF small forestland grant website.
“Projects covered by these grants are a major step toward protecting people, their homes, and natural resources in Oregon by making private forestland healthier and more resilient in the face of changing climate and wildfire environment,” said Trentadue. “I highly encourage people to apply and take advantage of this grant program.”
SALEM, Ore. – The Regional Forest Practice Committee for eastern Oregon will meet at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5 in the John Day Unit office, 415 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please email forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.
The committee’s agenda includes:
- Operator of the Year selection
- Review forest practices technical guidance – Working group debrief
- Division updates
The public may attend in-person or online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 72 hours before the meeting by emailing forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.
Regional Forest Practices Committees are panels of citizens – mandated under Oregon law – that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. 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.
ST. PAUL, Ore. —As the J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard marks its 50th anniversary, its impressive history of forest conservation and genetic mastery in Oregon's Willamette Valley is in the spotlight.
Initially envisioned for a state prison, the 400-acre site near St. Paul was bought by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in 1973, becoming one of Oregon's main sources for tree seeds. Today, it aids in regrowing forests critical to the state's economy, environment, and societal well-being.
Don Kaczmarek, ODF Geneticist, emphasized the orchard’s commitment to traditional breeding, stating, "Currently the orchard is in its third breeding cycle. The first cycle was from wild parent trees that are tested to determine which produce the best progeny, then placing them in the orchard. The second cycle crosses the best selected progenies from the first cycle. The third cycle is currently being monitored with in-place progeny tests and will be monitored for the next 10 years or so. Douglas-fir and Western hemlock are our two most advanced breeding programs."
The orchard refrains from genetic modifications, focusing on natural traits like increased growth rates, widespread adaptability, and insect and disease resistance. Such efforts have addressed challenges like the Swiss needle cast, a disease notorious for defoliating Douglas-firs in their first and second years.
From its inception, the seed orchard has thrived as a cooperative venture. Today, it boasts 38 separate seed orchards, with 70 percent of efforts going towards improved Douglas-fir. Each orchard is monitored and maintained for a diverse group of 28 cooperators, including federal agencies, ODF, tribes, and private companies.
Over the last 20 years, 28,000 pounds of Douglas-fir seeds have been harvested, capable of reforesting around 1.3 million acres in the western regions of Oregon and Washington. "Roughly 95 percent of the Douglas-fir in these regions originates from improved seeds from orchards like ours," Kaczmarek said.
Beyond seed production, the seed orchard aims to become the most cost-effective seed producer in the Pacific Northwest. Staff are refining techniques and collaborating with partners like Oregon State University to pinpoint the best genetic sources, ensuring the future of Oregon's forests remains green and resilient and is an invaluable asset to a sustainable timber industry in Oregon.
J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard will host its 50th anniversary celebration in May 2024. The event will be hosted by Casara Nichols, J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard Manager, and seed orchard staff.
SALEM, Ore. – New rule changes aimed at providing regulatory certainty for harvesting timber and to better protect fish and wildlife will go into effect Jan. 1, 2024. The changes came about from legislation that supported the landmark Private Forest Accord which was an agreement between the timber industry, small forest landowners, and conservation groups.
“These are the most sweeping changes to the Forest Practices Act (FPA) since it was enacted in 1973,” said Jennifer Ward, Forest Resources Division training coordinator. We are providing several training opportunities to help people better understand the changes and the possible impacts on their land.
The main overview training is titled: Forest Practices Act changes—streams, roads and more.
“The largest changes to the FPA are with stream buffers and the construction, maintenance and inventory of forest roads,” said Ward. “We will present these new rules and more importantly take the time to answer questions related to the rule changes.”
The “other” part of the training will focus on programs specifically designed to help the owners of small acreage forestlands.
“We will have our experts talk about the Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat Program (SFISH) grant program,” said Ward. “SFISH helps fund projects that improve fish habitat and reduce risks to natural resources from active or abandoned forest roads. The program provides up to 100 percent of the cost for these projects.”
The training will also provide updates on the new Forest Conservation Tax Credit Program (FCTC). FCTC provides financial benefit to small forestland owners who support conservation and habitat protection by leaving a larger unharvested area next to streams as a conservation area for the protection of wildlife habitat.
“This training is geared toward landowners and operators, including small forest landowners. Anyone is welcome to attend and learn more about these new rules,” said Ward.
The FPA changes—streams, roads and more class will be held 9 a.m. to noon on the following dates and locations:
Oct. 18—Coos Bay/North Bend, The Mill Casino/Salmon Room West, 3201 Tremont Ave, North Bend.
Oct. 26—Baker City, Best Western Sunridge Inn, 1 Sunridge Lane (City center exit 304 off I-84).
Oct. 26—Klamath Falls, Klamath County Events Center, 3531 South 6th Street.
Nov. 7—Wilsonville, Wilsonville Holiday Inn, 25425 SW 95th Ave
Registration is available on the ODF website.
e-Notification System (FERNS) New Changes will be held virtually.
This class is designed to help landowners and operators better understand how to file notices to harvest timber on their land. The class will discuss new changes to the system, including how to self-certify, road requirements, after harvest completion notices, and more. The class will cover changes for all notifiers first, then will focus on small forest landowner notifications.
The e-Notification System (FERNS) New Changes class will be held Nov. 16 at two different times. The first class is 9 a.m.-noon, use this Zoom link. The second class, with the same content as the first will be held 1-4 p.m., use this Zoom link. (No registration is required).
SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) are looking to fund collaborative groups engaged in forest restoration or stewardship on lands in Oregon managed by the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
The Forest Collaboratives Grant Program has half a million dollars to give to support work that increases the number, acreage and complexity of restoration projects on federal lands in Oregon. About half the land in Oregon - around 32 million acres - is managed by the U.S. Forest Service or BLM..
Some $200,000 is targeted to strengthen Collaborative Governance for established forest collaborative organizations. Another $300,000 is focused on advancing collaborative Zones of Agreement for restoration that includes vegetation projects on lands managed by the US Forest Service or BLM. For definitions and eligible project activities, please refer to the guidance document.
Read the guidance document for Federal Forest Restoration Collaborative Project Development for full eligibility requirements.
Application deadline: Monday, Oct. 23, 2023 by 5 p.m.
How to Apply
Federal Forest Restoration Collaborative Project Development applications are available via OWEB’s online application website: https://apps.wrd.state.or.us/apps/oweb/oa/.
An OWEB Online Grant Management System (OGMS) login is required to access the online grant application. Only one login per organization is allowed. If no login exists for the applicant’s organization, please email Leilani Sullivan at Leilani.sullivan@oweb.oregon.gov to request one. Include the following in your email:
- Organization name and address.
- Grantee contact information: name, title, email address, and phone number for the person who will receive all communication from OWEB and sign any grant agreements.
- Payee contact information: name, email address, and phone number for the person who keeps records and submits payment requests and documentation.
- FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number). OWEB may enter into agreements only with legally established entities. OWEB will review potential applicants prior to creating an OGMS login.
For general questions and questions about the Online Application, contact:
Kathy Leopold
Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
971-345-7017 or Kathy.Leopold@oweb.oregon.gov
or
Eric Hartstein
Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
503-910-6201 or Eric.Hartstein@OWEB.oregon.gov
For questions about Eligible Project Types, contact:
Kyle Sullivan-Astor
Oregon Department of Forestry
541-285-8685 or kyle.m.sullivan-astor@odf.oregon.gov
Prineville, Ore. – Starting Friday (September 22) at 12:01 a.m., the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District will move down to a “Moderate” fire danger level and additional restrictions under Regulated Use Closure will be terminated for all lands protected by the district. In addition, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will change to I (one) for MH-4 in Hood River County (west of Hwy 35) and for MH-1 (east of Hwy 35 in Hood River and Wasco Counties).
While conditions have dropped to Moderate fire danger, backyard debris burning continues to be prohibited on ODF-protected lands within Central Oregon District.
Under IFPL I (one), on ODF protected lands in Hood River and Wasco counties, the use of fire or power-driven machinery in any operation area is unlawful unless such use is following fire prevention requirements.
In addition, the fire watch requirement for this level is reduced from a minimum of three hours to a minimum of one hour during breaks and at the end of the operation period.
Although there is rain in the forecast, Central Oregon District remains in fire season. As such, we encourage the public to be mindful of activities that could cause a wildfire, as conditions can vary across the district.
Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply depending on the various fire risks. Check the full list of restrictions at 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/. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org
ASTORIA, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) works with area schools and partner natural resource organizations to give Clatsop County sixth graders hands–on experience in possible careers related to the forest. The Clatsop County Forestry Days have been led by ODF since 1960 and bring together a group of local dedicated volunteers to share their professional expertise and enthusiasm.
“Our sole focus is on the students,” said Brad Catton, Operations Coordinator for ODF’s Astoria District. “We give them a hands-on taste of what type of careers they could have related to the forests.”
The two-day event held Sept. 20 and 21 at ODF’s Demonstration Forest and Arboretum adjacent to the Clatsop County Fairgrounds and ODF’s district offices features eight learning stations including: wildland firefighting, tree planting, wood products, wildlife rescue, fisheries, recreation, tree measurements and mushrooms.
“This is fantastic—getting the kids outside and to see the work people in their community do every day,” said O’Brien Starr-Hollow, a sixth-grade teacher in the Warrenton school district. “Several of my students’ families make a living from the sea—so to have a fisheries station and then the other stations demonstrating how healthy forests support spawning salmon and other wildlife can really make an impact on them.”
That impact combines the physical actions of pushing on shovels to plant seedlings to pulling on a fire hose nozzle handle to put out a “wildfire” with the mental mindset that they can make a difference.
“We try to make it fun,” said Andres Lopez as he set up the cut out wooden flame the kids try to squirt and knock down with the water coming out of the fire hose. Lopez, a Forest Officer for ODF’s Astoria district, also gave the students a hands-on demo of other common firefighting equipment. “At the same time we talk about the hard work it takes to do these sorts of jobs well,” said Lopez.
“The hope is we get girls and boys interested in staying in their communities and finding careers they love based on everything the forest provides,” said Jenny Johnson, President of the local chapter of Oregon Women in Timber. Johnson has a personal connection to Forestry Days since her next-door neighbor, John Christie an ODF forester, organized the first one.
“I knew John as a neighbor and attended this event when I was in sixth grade and it helped inspire me to get my Forestry Degree from Oregon State (University) and work in forestry,” said Johnson. “John has passed away, but his vision and passion lives on through this event.”
Women in Timber have been one of the partners that make Forestry Days a success.
“This is truly a team effort,” said Catton. “Women in Timber, Clatsop County Fisheries, Hampton Lumber, Coast Wildlife, ODF and many other organizations and people have contributed to the success of this program over the years, and we thank them for supporting our local students.”
Although this event is just two days the ODF Astoria Demonstration Forest is open year round and more information can be found in the Clatsop State Forest Guide.
Visit the Oregon Department of Forestry’s main website for more information on many forest related programs from recreation to timber harvesting to wildland firefighting.
Women in Timber provide free educational professionals to visit classroom by supporting the “Talk about Trees” program and many other outreach and education opportunities. Visit their website for more information.
WILSONVILLE, Ore. - An invasive insect from Europe and the Middle East that attacks oak trees has recently been found in several Oregon white oaks in Wilsonville. The Mediterranean oak borer (Xyleborus monographus) transmits multiple fungal species to the trees it infests. Some fungal species may cause a disease called oak wilt, which may kill oak trees in as little as two to three years.
Mediterranean oak borer (MOB) is a tiny woodboring beetle called an “ambrosia beetle” because instead of feeding on wood, it eats fungus grown in galleries created in the wood of branches and trunks. The fungus grows, robbing tree canopies of water necessary for growth and survival. This insect was first found in North America when it turned up in 2017 in California, where it has been responsible for the decline and death of many native oak trees. In Europe, it has also been reported from elm, maple, and walnut trees, although damaging attacks have not been reported for these other tree types.
Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF) Invasive Species Specialist Wyatt Williams said, “MOB was found in a single trap set by ODF in Multnomah County, Oregon in 2018. It was then found in traps in 2020 in Marion County, and in 2021-2022 in Clackamas and Washington counties. This spring it was found in a single Oregon white oak at Sandy River Delta.”
Cody Holthouse, IPPM Program Manager for the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture, said his agency and ODF have been in touch with their California counterparts to assess the impact of MOB on native and introduced oaks, while also exploring what control measures they recommend. “Scientists at both agencies are actively planning survey and management strategies for this pest. We expect to have more answers in coming weeks and months.”
In the meantime, the departments of Forestry and Agriculture are asking people not to move firewood from oak trees beyond the local area where it is cut, to avoid spreading the insect pest.
Landowners are asked to review the signs and symptoms of MOB below and report oaks with both crown dieback and any of the symptoms below to the Oregon Invasives Hotline at https://oregoninvasiveshotline.org/login/?next=/reports/detail/2018ger
Signs and symptoms of Mediterranean oak borer infestation
1) MOB is a tiny, reddish-brown beetle that can be confused with many other beetles that reside in oak.
2) Pale boring dust is kicked out by the beetle and found on the exterior trunk of the tree.
3) MOB galleries look like tiny black holes from the exterior of the wood and,
4) black, branched trellises on the cut face of wood.
5) MOB create tiny, perfectly round entrance holes.
Symptoms not from MOB: holes larger than the diameter of a pencil lead, brown boring dust, discolored leaves but absence of dieback, wood staining without associated galleries. For info on other oak pests go to: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Documents/forestbenefits/Oak_galls_2017.pdf
SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will hold a virtual meeting Monday, Sept. 25, at noon. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. The meeting agenda with links to reference materials is posted on the department’s website.
The committee’s agenda includes:
- Roads research question package
- Eastern Oregon steep slopes research question development
- Prioritizing research topics
The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by emailing adaptivemanagementprogram@odf.oregon.gov.
The 13-member committee The Adaptive Management Program Committee helps determine if forest practices are meeting their goals to protect natural resources through a science-based and transparent process. The committee sets the research agenda that the Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) implements. View more information on the AMPC webpage.
SALEM, Ore. — The Forestry Program for Oregon Subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.
The subcommittee’s agenda includes:
- Vision for Oregon’s Forests (FPFO) content development
- Forestry Program for Oregon (FPFO) process
Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.
Subcommittee purpose: Collaborative work forum for board and agency leadership to advance efforts to jointly develop a modern Forestry Program for Oregon (FPFO). The subcommittee will serve until completion of the conceptual FPFO, targeted for December 2023. Read more information about the subcommittee.
Sisters, Ore. – Preliminary findings in the Juniper Creek Fire investigation indicate that the fire cause was consistent with target shooting. The Juniper Creek Fire started August 20, 2023, and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) contained it at 106 acres.
The responsible party took several safety precautions while shooting on their property. Nevertheless, a bullet fragment appears to have ignited the fire. With how dry the conditions were, the fuels were extremely receptive to ignition sources. As soon as the fire was noticed, it was reported to 911.
“This is a great learning opportunity to show that no matter how many precautions you take, you can still accidentally start a wildfire,” said Ben Duda, Sisters Wildland Fire Supervisor. “We’re grateful that the responsible party reacted quickly and called 911. Without that fast reporting, ODF wouldn’t have been able to catch the fire as quickly and keep it small.”
ODF wants to remind people that the risk of wildfire is still very present across the state. Even with cooler weather, the state has not experienced any season-ending changes in weather. No matter how many precautions you take, the best way to prevent wildfires is to not engage in activities that could start one. Check local fire regulations at www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx and find wildfire prevention tips at www.keeporegongreen.org.
If you do find that a fire has started, do not hesitate to call 911. Quick reporting leads to quick response and helps to keep the fire small.
SALEM, Ore. — The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet virtually on Thursday, Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.
The committee’s agenda includes:
- Forest Resources Division update
- Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat Program (SFISH) technical guidance review
- Road conditions assessment technical guidance review
- Board of Forestry update
- Forest Conservation Tax Credit Program (FCTC) technical guidance review
- Tax assistance documents for small forestland owners
The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 24 hours before the meeting by emailing committee.of.family.forestlands@odf.oregon.gov.
The 13-member committee researches policies that affect family forests, natural resources and forestry benefits. Based on its findings, the committee recommends actions to the Oregon Board of Forestry and the State Forester. View more information on the CFF webpage.
SALEM, Ore. — The Compliance Monitoring Program Committee will hold a virtual meeting Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.
The committee’s agenda includes:
- Program updates
- Mt. Hood Environmental (MHE) updates
- Reforestation study discussion
The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by emailing christina.n.helige@odf.oregon.gov.
The CMP Committee assists efforts to monitor compliance with Forest Practices Rules. The committee advises ODF regarding monitoring projects and procedures.
The Dalles, Ore. – As of Monday, September 4, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. ODF’s The Dalles Unit will be reducing industrial fire precaution level (IFPL) to an IFPL II (two) for MH-1 and MH-4 (Hood River and Wasco County). The Central Oregon District is in High Fire Danger and the burn ban and Regulated Use Closure on ODF-protected lands and all fire districts in Hood River and Wasco County remains in effect.
Under IFPL II, the use of fire or power-driven machinery in any operation area is unlawful unless such use is in compliance with the following:
Limited Shutdown: The following activities are not permitted between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., except as noted:
- Power saws, except power saws may operate at loading sites;
- Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws;
- Cable yarding
- Blasting
- Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal
In addition, the fire watch requirement for this level is reduced from a minimum of three hours to a minimum of two hours during breaks and at the end of the operation period.
The department is urging Oregonians to remain vigilant when it comes to wildfire prevention. We understand that areas across the Central Oregon District have received a little bit of rainfall, however it is not enough to prevent wildfires. There is still a decent amount of summer left and fuel conditions remain extremely dry. Go to the website below or call your local fire district or ODF office to find out local restrictions.
Oregon is currently in a Preparedness Level 5, which is the highest level of wildland fire activity. Firefighters and resources are stretched thin, meaning the less human-caused fires there are to respond to the less our resources are strained.
For more information on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org. For information on the Central Oregon District, including current restrictions in effect, visit https://odfcentraloregon.com/.
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 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 partners 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 20 years and the location of gates changes 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 at 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 Harold Stevens at the Tillamook ODF office, (503) 842-2545, or Paul Atwood at the Tillamook ODFW office, (503) 842-2741.
Tillamook State Forest, Ore. – The Tillamook Forest Center (TFC) celebrated its first summer open to the public after a three-year closure. Activities this summer included a fish release at Cedar Creek, hosting the Timber Culture traveling multicultural logging exhibit from the Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center, and celebrating the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forest 50th anniversary. Additionally, more than 15,000 visitors enjoyed hands-on learning experiences in the exhibit hall and replica fire lookout tower.
As fall approaches, so do the seasonal fall hours for the TFC. The center will be closed on Labor Day, Sept. 4, and then beginning later that week fall hours start with TFC open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. These operating hours will continue until Nov. 26, when the center will begin its annual winter closure and will re-open in March of 2024. The reduction in hours allows the newly formed team to catch up on projects from the lengthy closure.
Forestry field trip registration is open for limited field trips in November and full services in the spring 2024. Planning is underway to bring back the popular Forest Fungi program on Oct. 14, 2023. Please visit the TFC website to register for field trips, or to see the calendar of events for registration details on the mushroom program.
About the Tillamook Forest Center: Nestled in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest, the Tillamook Forest Center is the region’s largest forest-based interpretive and educational center, located 50 miles west of Portland and 22 miles east of Tillamook at 45500 Wilson River Highway, Tillamook, Ore. It is a special place to develop a deeper connection with Oregon’s forests through experience and exploration. Please consider a $5 suggested donation when visiting to support the State Forest Trust of Oregon who helps supports the programs at the Tillamook Forest Center.
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