Tillamook, Ore. — “Celebrating Renewal: Visions in the Forest” is a collaborative art exhibit between Oregon artists Elaine Treadwell and Beth O’Mahony on display at the Tillamook Forest Center from June 13 through September 2.
Visitors are invited to explore sculptural installations both inside the center and out on the trails. The sculptures utilize natural materials to celebrate nature’s capacity for renewal and encourage viewers to see the familiar with new eyes.
The Tillamook Forest Center will have an opening reception with the artists on Saturday, June 16 at 1 p.m. at the Center, located at 45500 Wilson River Highway, Tillamook, Ore. “Misty Forest Promenade,” a new musical composition by Miranda Lehman, will debut at the opening reception. Visitors can download the music to accompany their experience as they walk among the sculpture trail. The music can be purchased and downloaded at https://korouva.bandcamp.com/album/misty-forest-promenade. Due to extremely limited cell service at the Tillamook Forest Center, it is recommended to download music prior to arrival.
In addition to the summer installation, the artists will also lead a woven sculpture workshop at the center on Saturday, July 14. To learn more about the workshop, or to explore upcoming naturalist-led programs, check out the program & event calendar at http://www.tillamookforestcenter.com/calendar.
About the Tillamook Forest Center: The Tillamook Forest Center is a special place to develop a deeper connection with Oregon’s forests through experience and exploration. The Center is open Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (summer hours). A $5 donation is suggested.
Note to editors: You can download high-resolution, color photos by clicking these links:
https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/PublishingImages/Celebrating-renewal-outdoor-fish.jpg
https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/PublishingImages/Woven-fish-workshop.jpg
https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/PublishingImages/Winged-ones.jpg
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SALEM, Ore. – An Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) state forests advisory group will host a tour of forestland in the Santiam State Forest on Thursday, June 21 and meet on Friday, June 22 in Salem.
The public is welcome at both events, hosted by the State Forests Advisory Committee (SFAC). However, RSVP is needed for the forest tour. The meeting agenda will be posted at http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/SFAC.aspx.
Meeting details
Forest Tour: Meets at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 21 at the ODF North Cascades Office, 22965 North Fork Road SE, Lyons, OR 97358. RSVP is needed for the forest tour so that attendees can be provided safety equipment. Tour attendees should provide their own lunch, refreshments and transportation suitable for traveling on forest roads. Please RSVP to April Davis at il.r.davis@oregon.gov">april.r.davis@oregon.gov or 503-359-7426.
SFAC meeting: The committee will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, June 22, at the ODF Salem Headquarters, Tillamook Room, Building C, 2600 State St. Topics on the agenda include an overview of the Annual Operation Plan (AOP) comments and responses, Implementation Plan modifications and division updates. The public will have the opportunity to provide comment.
SFAC’s role
The State Forests Advisory Committee (SFAC) is comprised of citizens and representatives of timber, environmental and recreation groups. SFAC provides a forum to discuss issues, opportunities and concerns, and offer advice and guidance to ODF on the implementation of the Northwest Oregon State Forests Management Plan. The plan provides guidance for managing 616,000 acres within the Tillamook, Clatsop and Santiam State Forests, and several scattered state-owned forest tracts in Benton, Polk, Lincoln and Lane counties through a balanced approach to generate revenue while prioritizing environmental and social benefits.
Friday’s meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Questions about accessibility or special accommodations for the meeting can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at 503-945-7427.
Forest Grove, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Forestry will be conducting a prescribed fire this morning on about 60 acres in the Storey Burn area of the Tillamook State Forest.
Crews will be on site throughout the exercise to ensure the controlled fire does not spread. It will reduce logging debris that could potentially pose a fire risk. Smoke will be visible from Oregon Route 6.
“This prescribed fire will improve safety and serve as a valuable training exercise heading into the summer,” said Mike Cafferata, Forest Grove District Forester. “These events are carefully planned to ensure the safety of the public and firefighters while containing the fire to the confined area and minimizing smoke impacts to the public.”
Roadway signage on Route 6 will inform drivers of the controlled fire exercise.
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SALEM, Ore. — Fire restrictions are, or soon will be, in effect on lands in southern and central Oregon that are protected by Oregon Department of Forestry districts and forest protective associations.
Fire season goes into effect on Friday, June 8 in:
- Coos Forest Protective Association – Curry, Coos and coastal Douglas County
- Douglas Forest Protective Association – most of non-coastal Douglas County
- Klamath-Lake District – Klamath County and western Lake County
Fire season is in effect since June 1 in:
- Southwest Oregon District - covering all of Jackson and Josephine counties
- Central Oregon District - covering Hood River and Grant counties and portions of Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Harney, Jefferson, Morrow, Wasco, Wheeler and northwestern Lake counties
- Walker Range Forest Protective Association – northern Klamath County and part of northwest Lake County
Local conditions dictate when fire risk reaches the level that fire restrictions start to become warranted. You can check whether fire season is in effect in your area and what restrictions or closures may be in place by visiting ODF's external website.
Restrictions common to all lands now in fire season include a ban on backyard debris burning, and a prohibition on use of exploding targets and tracer ammunition. Sky lanterns are prohibited year-round in Oregon.
In announcing the start of fire season in Central Oregon, District Forester Mike Shaw said, "Across the district, spring has brought limited rainfall and right now we are seeing fuel conditions drier than they were at this time last year."
Southwest Oregon District Forester Dave Larson said, “The district’s hope is that going into fire season will help curb the number of human-caused fires, especially escaped debris burn piles.”
Although the numbers of acres burned so far this year has been modest, almost 150 wildfires have already been reported on land protected by ODF. Almost two thirds of the fires have occurred in districts and forest protective associations that will be in fire season by Friday.
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COLUMBIA CITY, Ore. — Oregon Department of Forestry firefighters have finished control lines around 100 percent of the Chapman Grange Road No. 1 Fire seven miles northwest of Scappoose. No more growth is expected on the fire, which has been mapped at 42 acres.
The fire’s size and aggressive behavior for this time of year in a part of the state that’s usually the last to dry out has fire officials taking note. Across much of northwest Oregon, rainfall has been only a fraction of normal for May and early June, leading to fuel moisture levels that are at or near historic lows for this date. And forecasted rain this weekend may not do much to alleviate the long-term fire picture.
Malcolm Hiatt is the unit forester for ODF’s Columbia City office in Columbia County northwest of Portland. He said that during the Chapman Grange Road No. 1 Fire’s first 24 hours it spotted 30 to 50 feet in all directions ahead of the flames.
“It pushed across 12-foot wide gravel roads to reach more than 100 feet into timber before slowing down and burning in 5 to 6-foot high green Douglas-fir trees. Those young trees and the green underbrush burned amazingly well for this time of year, said Hiatt.
Hiatt said that along streams the fire behaved normally for what fire managers expect in June, but in all other fuel types the fire acted like it was the second week of August.
“Stumps in the timber within 50 feet of the control lines were starting to catch fire from embers. Once heated, fire spread to the surrounding vegetation even at 1 a.m.," he said.
Firefighters were able to get control lines around 100 percent of the fire. Hiatt said firefighters hope to have 50 feet mopped in on all sides by the end of shift Tuesday. Mop up will continue for the rest of the week with a reduction in resources starting with Wednesday's day shift.
The fire was first reported on Sunday, June 3 by a Life Flight helicopter taking a patient to Portland. Scappoose Rural Fire District began the initial attack, later transferring the fire to ODF. Vernonia Rural Fire Department assisted by supplying and operating a water tender. Industrial operators have also supplied a water tender and an excavator to break apart smoldering piles of wood so all parts could be cooled and extinguished.
There have been no injuries or accidents and no structures were threatened by the fire. But the fire’s quick spread highlights for Hiatt just how low moisture levels in vegetation have become in the heavily timbered areas from the coast to Portland. “We are seeing large parts of northwest Oregon that haven’t received significant rain in a month and a half or longer. That has left trees, brush and grass as dry as it might be in mid-summer,” warns Hiatt.
He advises homeowners and those who work or recreate in forestlands to be especially careful and if possible avoid activities that could spark a wildfire, such as burning debris or building campfires. “Most Oregonians don’t worry much about wildfire until well into summer but in the northwest part of the state the risk is already there,” said Hiatt.
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FOREST GROVE, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Columbia City Unit is fighting a fire in logging slash on private land about 7 miles northwest of Scappoose this morning in the Chapman Grange Road area. No structures are threatened.
Four hand crews from South Fork Forest Camp, three ODF fire engines and a water tender are engaged today on the fire, which is burning in steep, rugged terrain. About 50 personnel are currently on site. The Chapman Road No. 1 Fire was estimated at about 30 acres this morning. Control lines are in place around about half the fire. A controlled burnout is being conducted to reduce fuels in the center of the fire area.
The fire was reported Sunday afternoon after 4 p.m. Scappoose Rural Fire Department located the fire and provided aggressive initial attack. ODF was on scene with a joint command structure at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, and assumed full command of the fire at 10 p.m.
Some 48 firefighters worked on the fire through the night, including assistance from the Vernonia Fire Department and four South Fork inmate crews. Cause of the fire is under investigation.
Before sunset Sunday, the fire was spotting 30-50 feet away from the flame front with sustained winds of 11 miles per hour and 50% relative humidity.
Fire managers expect the fire will burn much of Monday as they work to contain it, making smoke visible from surrounding communities. The area is experiencing light winds from the northwest with a 20% chance of showers in the afternoon.
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SALEM, Ore. — A ban on all open and backyard burning will take effect on June 15 in Linn and Benton counties. The Oregon Department of Forestry and the fire defense boards of the two counties announced the ban, which aims to reduce the occurrence of open debris burns escaping control. The restrictions will extend through Oct. 15 or later, depending on fire danger.
The open burning restrictions overlap with the current air-quality rules set forth by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Those rules already forbid open burning within three miles of cities over 1,000 in population and six miles from cities over 50,000 in population after June 15. These burn restrictions expand the geographical area to include all of Linn and Benton counties.
“The weather is beginning to shift, most of the spring rain has passed and the days are getting hotter,”said Linn County Fire Defense Board Chief John Bradner. “The grasses are still green, but some of the larger fuels are drying out. In fact, there have already been several small fires around northwest Oregon this year.”
Benton County Fire Defense Board Chief Rick Smith said, “Along with this ban on residential burning we hope that the public has an increased awareness of wildfires. Now is the time for spring property maintenance. Create defensible space around your property by removing dead vegetation, keeping grass and brush mowed short, and landscape plants green and well-watered. It can make the difference between losing and saving a structure in the event of a wildfire.”
Rural fire agencies and the Oregon Department of Forestry have the authority to enforce and regulate the burn ban. Under Oregon Revised Statute Chapter 477, the department may issue citations for violation of restrictions on burning.
For more information on the open burning restrictions as well as advice on safe debris disposal, contact the nearest Department of Forestry office or the local fire department.
Contacts:
Benton County- Philomath Unit, ODF Allison Blair, 541-929-9156
Linn County- Sweet Home Unit, ODF Chad Calderwood, 541-367-6180
Linn County- Santiam Unit, ODF Levi Hopkins, 503- 859-4331
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SALEM, Ore. – Many Oregonians have good intentions each spring when they set out to eliminate wildfire hazards around the home. But the tools they use may actually start a wildfire if not handled properly.
A sad example is the 2015 Stouts Creek Fire in southwest Oregon. Reportedly caused by a resident mowing dry grass, this fire eventually grew to more than 26,000 acres and cost $37 million dollars to put out.
Kristin Babbs, president of the non-profit fire prevention organization Keep Oregon Green, said, improper use of mowers, chain saws and other equipment is the leading cause of wildfires on state-protected lands in Oregon. “A spark from a hot exhaust system or a steel blade striking a rock can easily start a blaze in dry grass or brush,” she warned. “Keeping grass mowed low can reduce fire hazard, but mowing dry grass in the afternoon or on a hot day is very risky.”
Babbs joins the Oregon Office of the State Fire Marshal and Oregon Department of Forestry in saying spring is the best time to prune, mow and clean up excess vegetation. “Do it while plants are still green, not during the summer when fuels are dry,” Babbs said.
To minimize fire risk during spring cleanup, Babbs recommends the following:
- Follow current fire restrictions
Check with the local Oregon Department of Forestry district or forest protective association to learn if there are any current restrictions or regulations on the use of power tools with internal combustion engines, such as lawn mowers, chainsaws and weed trimmers. Some areas may restrict their use depending on weather and vegetation conditions.
- Mow before 10 a.m.
The best time of day to use gas-powered equipment is early morning, when the humidity is higher and temperatures are lower. Never mow when it’s windy or excessively dry.
- Use the right tool for the job
Lawn mowers are designed to mow lawns, not weeds or tall, dry grass. Use a weed trimmer with plastic line, vs. metal blades that can strike rocks, create sparks and start a wildfire. Remove rocks in the area before you begin operating any power equipment to avoid sparks.
- Have an approved spark arrester on all portable gas-powered equipment
In wildland areas, an escaped carbon particle from a muffler may be all it takes to start a fire. This includes cars, tractors, harvesters, chainsaws, weed trimmers and mowers. Keep the exhaust system in proper working order, spark arresters clear of carbon build-up, and the engine free of oil and dust. Allow equipment to cool before refilling with gasoline. Use the recommended grade of fuel and don’t top it off.
Wildfire awareness, preparedness and prevention are crucial at any time of year. Learn how you can be a part of the solution at: www.keeporegongreen.org.
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Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Board of Forestry Subcommittee on Federal Forests will meet in
La Grande on June 5. The meeting is open to the public and a public comment period is on the agenda.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m., and to end at approximately 5 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Alumni Room, Ackerman Hall 208, 1 University Blvd., at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande. The subcommittee is meeting to review recent developments regarding the management of federal lands to increase the pace, scale, and quality of restoration. Specific agenda items include:
- Federal Forest Policy
- March 2018 Omnibus Bill
- Recommendations and survey from the Western Governors’ Association Report
- Reflections from the recent meeting of the Western Council of State Foresters
- Oregon State University’s Fire Summit Report
Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling the agency’s Public Affairs office, at least 48 hours in advance, at 503-945-7200.
The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include appointing the State Forester, 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. More information about the Board is available at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/AboutBOF.aspx.
SALEM, Ore.—The State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee will meet Wednesday, May 30, from 9 - 11 a.m. in the Sun Pass Room, Building D, Oregon Department of Forestry Salem Headquarters, 2600 State Street.
The committee will discuss the following topics:
- Updates from the Private Forests Division
- Community Forests Program updates
- Forest Legacy Program FY 2020 Project Letters of Intent
- Forest Stewardship Program updates.
This is a public meeting, everyone is welcome. The meeting space is accessible to persons with disabilities. 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. For more information about attending the meeting please contact Susan Dominique at 503-945-7502.The State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee advises the State Forester on policy and procedures for the U.S. Forest Service State and Private Forestry Programs, such as Forest Legacy and Forest Stewardship. The committee consists of representatives from state and federal natural resource agencies, private forest landowners, consulting foresters, and forest industry and conservation organizations. You can find more information at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/SCC.aspx.
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SILVERTON, Ore. — What you learn at an evening workshop Tuesday, June 5 at the Oregon Garden in Silverton might save your home from wildfire. The Citizen Fire Academy class helps Oregonians take simple steps to prepare for wildfire. Cost is $5 per person. The class is from 6 to 9 p.m. The Oregon Garden’s address is 879 W. Main Street, Silverton. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/CitizenFireAcademyJune2018
“Oregon communities are at risk for wildfire,” said Oregon State University Extension Forester Glenn Ahrens. “The good news is that if we prepare, we can reduce the risk to our property. Communities that survive fire events are the ones that have a plan and act on it.”
“The most important area to defend is within 200 feet of a home or other structure,” said National Fire Plan Coordinator Jenna Nelson with the Oregon Department of Forestry. “The class explains what property owners can do in this area to make sure there is no buildup of flammable fuel, such as dead leaves or conifer needles in gutters or on roofs.”
For more information about the class, contact Ahrens at 503-655-8631 or by email at glenn.ahrens@oregonstate.edu
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News Release
Date: May 21, 2018
Contact: Megan Ehnle, Board of Forestry Executive Support, Cell: 503-302-5603
Salem, ORE – The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet in La Grande on June 6. The meeting is open to the public and a public comment period is on the agenda.
The meeting will begin at 9 a.m., and go through approximately 2:45 p.m., with an Executive Session following and scheduled to end at approximately 3:45 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and a public comment period is on the agenda. The meeting will be held at Eastern Oregon University, 1 University Blvd., in La Grande.
Agenda items include:
- Carbon Sequestration in Oregon’s forests
- A review of the recent work concluded by the Oregon Global Warming Commission’s Forest Taskforce
- The Department’s work with the USFS-PNW Research Station to quantify the amount of carbon sequestered in Oregon’s forests to support the DAS Carbon Policy Office following the 2018 Legislative Session.
- Smoke Management Program Permission for Rulemaking - The Smoke Management Program has completed its five-year review and has coordinated all recommended changes jointly with the Department of Environmental Quality. The Smoke Management Program is seeking permission from the Board to initiate rulemaking on recommended changes to OAR 629-048.
- Update on 2018 Fire Season Readiness and Forecast
- Approval of the Forest Protection Districts 2018 Fiscal Budgets and Rates
- Forest Trust Lands Advisory Committee testimony – FTLAC comments and information on state forests.
- 2019 – 21 Biennial Budget Development – Staff will present the agency’s proposed policy option packages for the 2019 – 21 biennium.
- Agency Initiative: 2019 – 2021 Agency Biennial Budget Request – Staff will present the final proposal of the agency initiative for Board consideration. Final consideration of the agency initiative for inclusion in the Agency Request Budget will occur at the July Board meeting.
- Eastern Oregon Wood Products Conference – Provide a preview of the next day’s conference and field tour. The goal of the conference and tour is to highlight the potential opportunities for rural investment and improved forest restoration economics resulting from the continued growth and development of mass timber markets.
Audio recordings of each Board of Forestry meeting with minutes are posted upon completion of each meeting. Beginning with the June 6 meeting, livestream options will be available for those who wish to view remotely. Along with this content, other agenda materials are available at www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/BOFMeetings.aspx.
Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling the department’s Public Affairs Office, at least 48 hours in advance, at 503-945-7200.
The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include appointing the State Forester, 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. More information about the Board is available at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/AboutBOF.aspx.
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Correction: The day of the week for this meeting is Tuesday (not Friday as originally stated).
News Release
Date: May 22, 2018
Contact:
Nick Hennemann, Public Affairs Specialist, Salem, 503-910-4311
Kyle Abraham, Deputy Chief Private Forests Division, Salem, 503-945-7473
SALEM, Ore. - The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet Tuesday, May 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The meeting will be in the Tillamook Room at the Oregon Department of Forestry Salem Headquarters, 2600 State Street.
The committee will receive updates about and discuss these topics:
- Private Forests Division
- Fire Season outlook
- Rulemaking related to food plots
- Oregon Bee Project
- Forestland certification
This is a public meeting, everyone is welcome. The agenda includes time for public comment at the beginning of the meeting. The meeting space is accessible to persons with disabilities. 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. For more information about attending the meeting please contact Susan Dominique at 503-945-7502.
The 13-member committee researches policies that affect family forests, natural resource and forestry benefits. The committee recommends actions to the Oregon Board of Forestry and State Forester based on its findings. You can find more information at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/CFF.aspx.
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SALEM, Ore. - Sitting around a campfire is one of the special times we all enjoy, but campfires are also a major cause of wildfires. May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and Keep Oregon Green, the Oregon Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the Oregon Department of Forestry urge Oregonians to follow these basic outdoor safety tips:
- Know before you go
Before going camping, call your local forestry or fire district to learn if there are any current campfire restrictions at your destination. You can also visit www.keeporegongreen.org for planning a fire-safe trip to the outdoors.
- Kick the campfire habit this summer
Portable camp stoves are a safer option to campfires at any time of year. Areas that prohibit campfires outside maintained campgrounds with established fire pits often allow camp stoves.
- Select the right spot
Where campfires are allowed, choose a site with an existing ring. Fire pits in established campgrounds are the best spots. If you choose to build a campfire, avoid building it near your tent, structures, vehicles, shrubs or trees, and be aware of low-hanging branches overhead. Clear the site down to mineral soil, at least five feet on all sides, and circle it with rocks. Store unused firewood a good distance from the fire.
- Keep your campfire small
A campfire is less likely to escape control if it is kept small. A large fire may cast hot embers long distances. Add firewood in small amounts as existing material is consumed. Placing a log on the fire rather than dropping it from a height will prevent a big shower of sparks.
- Attend your campfire at all times
A campfire left unattended for even a few minutes can grow into a costly, damaging wildfire. Stay with your campfire from start to finish until it is dead out, as required by state law. That ensures any escaped sparks or embers can be extinguished quickly.
- Never use gasoline or other accelerants
Don’t use flammable or combustible liquids, such as gasoline, propane or lighter fluid, to start or increase your campfire. Once the fire starts, discard the match in the fire.
- Have water and fire tools on site
Have a shovel and a bucket of water nearby to extinguish any escaped embers. When you are ready to leave, drown all embers with water, stir the coals, and drown again. Repeat until the fire is DEAD out. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.
- Burn ONLY wood
State regulations prohibit the open burning of any material that creates dense, toxic smoke or noxious odors. Burning paper and cardboard can also easily fly up to start new fires.
Escaped campfires can be costly. Oregon law requires the proper clearing, building, attending and extinguishing of open fires at any time of year. A first-time citation carries a $110 fine. But by far the biggest potential cost is liability for firefighting costs if your campfire spreads out of control. These can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars or more.
During Wildfire Awareness Month visit the Keep Oregon Green website, www.keeporegongreen.org for other wildfire prevention tips.
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