Compliance Monitoring Program Committee Meets Jan. 30 -01/16/25

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

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Communication plan (Reforestation study)

• Update from Mt. Hood Environmental on roads & steeps slopes protocol

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 marta.l.friasbedolla@odf.oregon.gov.

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

Special State And Federal Partnership Help Eastern Oregon Forests Better Survive Wildfires And Protect Private Property (Photo) -01/16/25

UMATILLA NATIONAL FOREST, Ore.— This summer, the Lone Rock Fire, driven by 30 mph winds, scorched more than 137,000 acres of the Umatilla National Forest and adjoining lands, leaving many of the trees burned and lifeless. 

“The fires this year have decimated our forests, and we will be working hard for years to re-establish them,” said Brandon Ferguson, Forest Resource Manager for the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) John Day Unit. “However, in part of the Kahler Basin where the forest was treated through the work of the Federal Forest Restoration (FFR) Program it is a different story. Most of those trees have more than 40 percent of their live crown intact and will not only survive but should thrive in the coming years,” said Ferguson who oversees a group of ODF foresters who assist private landowners manage their forestland in a five-county area.

The multi-year Kahler Dry Forest Restoration Project treated 33,000 acres of federal land. Of that, 1,220 acres were impacted by the Lone Rock Fire but fared significantly better thanks to proactive treatments.  

“Forest treatments included commercial and non-commercial thinning of the trees, prescribed burning of activity fuels, improvements to forest roads, fire line construction, and more,” said Kyle Sullivan-Astor, ODF’s Federal Forest Restoration Program Lead. 

The FFR program aims to create healthier, more resilient forests capable of withstanding threats like wildfire, insect outbreaks, and disease, while reducing their impacts in treated areas.

“The FFR program was created to accelerate the pace, scale and quality of forest restoration and resilience across Oregon's federal forests,” said Sullivan-Astor. “ODF plays a key role by providing local expertise and capacity to federal landowners, in this case the U.S. Forest Service.”

A Long-Term, Collaborative Effort

The Kahler Dry Forest Restoration Project planning started in 2011, with on-the-ground implementation starting in 2016. Most of the work was completed by the end of 2022.

 “For the Kahler Project, the FFR Program provided $512,000, with $268,686 going to crew funding and the rest for planning and capacity building,” said Sullivan-Astor.

The planning and capacity building is where ODF and its people make a big difference.

“We used our seasonal firefighting crews to perform a wide range of fieldwork, including marking trees, cruising, flagging, and prepping for commercial thinning” said Mike Billman, ODF’s Federal Forest Restoration Unit Forester in the La Grande office. 

For the Kahler Project, crews worked in unusual weather conditions.

“It was brutal. Our crews had snowmobiles and show shoes, and it was 30 below a couple of nights,” said Billman of the one-time extreme early weather event for the project. “They were staying in a guard station out in the forest, so it was bare bones accommodations and not very pleasant.”

Despite the challenges, ODF crews completed the fieldwork on schedule, laying the groundwork for the next phases of the project.

Partnerships Build Success

Collaboration with local partners was critical to the project’s success.

“At the same time ODF crews were doing field work, we worked with local partners to help build expertise, capacity and community support for this project and future ones,” said Sullivan-Astor.   “The Umatilla Forest Collaborative (now the Northern Blues Forest Collaborative) was critical to build public support and for the planning of the project. They received two grants; one was a capacity grant and the other was a Technical Assistance and Science Support (TASS) grant.”  

These investments strengthen local forest collaboratives, helping them develop shared agreement on vegetation management in federal forests managed by the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management.

Economic and Community Benefits

In addition to improving forest health and fire resilience, the FFR Program delivers economic and community benefits.

“Commercial thinning provides timber to local sawmills, work for timber operators, and the lumber needed to build homes,” said Sullivan-Astor. “In Eastern Oregon, infrastructure and training opportunities are limited. These projects not only create immediate work but also help build long-term expertise and capacity to continue this important work.”

In addition, most of the work is done on federal forests that border or are near private and ODF wildfire protected areas.

“If we can help our federal partners treat more forestland more effectively, it benefits ODF’s firefighting efforts and helps protect public and private resources,” said Sullivan-Astor. “This includes not just timber and wildlife habitat, but also critical infrastructure like utility lines and private buildings.”

Impact on Wildfire Resilience

While forest treatments cannot prevent wildfires entirely, they do reduce fire severity and improve landscape resilience, giving firefighters opportunities to suppress fires more effectively and protect nearby communities.

“The program is a win-win for everyone,” said Sullivan-Astor. “For relatively modest costs, we can greatly reduce wildfire impacts, protect lives and property, and cut the cost of fighting large, severe wildfires.”

For more information on the FFR Program see its recently released report or visit ODF’s Federal Forest Restoration Program webpage.

Committee For Family Forestlands Meets On Jan. 22 – Amended Agenda -01/15/25

SALEM, Ore. — The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet virtually on Wednesday, Jan. 22 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 Owner Office update
• Legislature update
• Intro and discussion with potential industry representative – Jake Ryan
• Board of Forestry update
• Discuss upcoming meeting schedule and agenda topics

Agenda item added:

• Informing Small Forestland Owners

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 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.

ODF Resource Update -01/13/25

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry’s six strike teams have been working alongside CalFire to suppress the wildfires in Los Angeles County.

As of this morning, there are three strike teams (which is equal to 15 engines) assigned to the Palisades Fire and three strike teams assigned to the Eaton Fire. Our firefighters’ duties vary, spanning from initial attack to mop up operations.

The rumor that firefighters were held up or denied due to emissions testing is NOT true. Upon arriving at the Sacramento Command Center, ODF engines underwent vehicle inspections for safety purposes. While in California, CalFire is responsible for the safety of our firefighters and took necessary steps to ensure that safety before sending them to the front lines.

A strike team consists of five Type 6 engines with two to four firefighters per engine, plus a strike team leader. In total, the Oregon Department of Forestry deployed 30 Type 6 engines and 70 firefighters.

The Oregon Department of Forestry is extremely proud of the work our firefighters are doing to support California and the “Whatever it takes” attitude that is brought to every task.

ODF’s strike teams’ expenses will be reimbursed by the state of California.

Oregon State Forester Resigns -01/10/25

Yesterday, State Forester Cal Mukumoto, who also serves as director of the Oregon Department of Forestry, submitted his resignation to Board of Forestry Chair Jim Kelly, effective 5 p.m. on January 23, 2025.

While the Board of Forestry works through an open recruitment process for the position, Kate Skinner will be the acting state forester. Skinner has been with ODF since 1995 and has served as the district forester for the Tillamook District since 2014. Since August 2024, she has been supporting the organization as the interim Deputy State Forester.

Here is the full text of Mukumoto’s resignation letter:

“This email is a notice that I am resigning my appointment as State Forester effective 5 pm PST on January 23, 2025.  Jim, working for you and the Board has been a real pleasure.”

The board and department will share more details on the recruitment process as they are available.

Committee For Family Forestlands Meets On Jan. 22 -01/08/25

SALEM, Ore. — The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet virtually on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 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 Owner Office update
• Legislature update
• Intro and discussion with potential industry representative – Jake Ryan
• Board of Forestry update
• Discuss upcoming meeting schedule and agenda topics

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 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.

ODF Sends 70 Firefighters To Fight California Wildfires -01/08/25

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) filled an order today to send six strike teams (30 type 6 wildland engines) and other overhead positions to California to help fight the disastrous wildfires in Los Angeles. These wildfires combined with strong wind conditions in Los Angeles County have resulted in thousands evacuating and hazardous air quality.

ODF firefighters are anticipated to arrive at the incident command post tomorrow, at which point they will be briefed on the situation and then assigned where needed. The two-week rotation in California will allow our firefighters to return the favor to our California partners, who sent resources to support Oregon last summer.  

Deputy Director of Fire Operations Kyle Williams said, “The Oregon Department of Forestry’s leadership in the wildland firefighting arena makes our firefighters ready for any scenario and sending that expertise to California to help our fellow firefighters in their time of need is the least we can do to support our partners.”

The 70 firefighters are being sent to California via state-to-state mutual assistance agreements with CalFire. When wildfire activity is low in Oregon, firefighters can be spared to help in places experiencing high fire activity.

“We understand how difficult it can be to need help so desperately. Especially after this past season in Oregon, where we saw an amazing outpouring of support from our out-of-state partners during Oregon’s record-breaking fire season,” said Chris Cline, ODF’s Fire Protection Division Chief.

This past summer was a record-breaking year for the state with over 1.9 million acres burned. Quickly, Oregon’s in-state resources were depleted while more fires continued to pop up. In response to our call for help, Oregon was sent resources from about 20 U.S. states and multiple Canadian provinces and territories, including California who sent 21 high-demand positions.

“These agreements help bolster the complete and coordinated fire protection system across the country and create a cache of reciprocal resources for all of us to call on when needed.” Cline explained.

Through these mutual assistance agreements with other states, including Alaska, Hawaii and NW Canadian territories, we can share resources with one another, creating a larger, faster comprehensive fire management system.   

ODF's strike teams' expenses will be reimbursed by the state of California. 

Final Wildfire Hazard Maps Now Available (Photo) -01/07/25

SALEM, Ore.—The statewide maps of wildfire hazard zones and the wildland-urban interface are complete and final versions are now available on the Oregon Explorer website. Notifications are being mailed to impacted property owners and should be expected to arrive over the next several days.

The wildfire hazard map's purposes are to:

• Educate Oregon residents and property owners about the level of hazard where they live.
• Assist in prioritizing fire adaptation and mitigation resources for the most vulnerable locations.
• Identify where defensible space standards and home hardening codes will apply.

The statewide wildfire hazard map designates all of Oregon’s 1.9 million property tax lots into one of three wildfire hazard zones: low, moderate or high. It also identifies whether a tax lot is within boundaries of the wildland-urban interface. Properties that are in both a high hazard zone and within the wildland-urban interface will be prioritized for future wildfire risk mitigation resources and actions.

To help protect these communities, future defensible space and home-hardening building codes may apply to properties with both designations. All properties with both designations are receiving a certified mail packet informing them of the designations, outlining their appeal rights and explaining the appeal process, and explaining what the designation might mean for them and their property.

“It’s a hefty packet of information that property owners will receive by certified mail,” said Tim Holschbach, Wildfire Hazard Map Lay Representative. “However, we want to ensure Oregonians get all the relevant information they need on their wildfire hazard exposure.”

Anyone that does not receive a packet but is still interested in learning about the wildfire hazard where they live can visit the Oregon Explorer website. A Property Owner’s Report is available for every Oregon tax lot and includes information about hazards and resources.

The road to completed maps has been a long one. After the initial wildfire map was released and rescinded in summer of 2022, ODF and OSU spent more than two years receiving and analyzing feedback to improve the product available today, including a recent public comment period.

Draft versions of the statewide wildfire hazard and wildland-urban interface maps were available to the public for review and comment from July 18 to August 18. ODF received nearly 2,000 comments from the public during the 30-day comment period.

After reviewing the comments on the draft maps, ODF identified one key theme that had not been previously addressed in prior adjustments to the map: neighbor-to-neighbor variation in hazard zones.  In response, researchers took a closer look at those variations and their causes. OSU evaluated scientific methods to reduce neighbor-to-neighbor variations in hazard zone designations that were still in accordance with legislative rules directing development of the map.

This final adjustment is in addition to other revisions that have been made to the map over the last two years in response to feedback from elected officials, county governments and the public. Other updates to the map since 2022 include:

• Adjustments for hay and pasturelands.
• Adjustments for northwest Oregon forest fuels.
• Adjustments for certain irrigated agricultural fields.
• Corrections for verified anomalies identified by county planners.

“It’s important that the map is as objective and understandable as possible,” said Kyle Williams, Deputy Director of Fire Operations at ODF. “It took additional time to ensure community protection measures like home hardening and defensible space are prioritized in communities of highest wildfire hazard. It’s been time well spent, and we’re pleased with the diligence ODF staff and OSU researchers put into addressing input from all sources.”

In addition to feedback that resulted in changes to the map, there were two main themes of public input that will not be addressed by map adjustments: insurance and existing defensible space and fire hardening improvements.

Oregon Senate Bill 82 prohibits insurers in Oregon from using this map, or any statewide map, for making decisions on whether to extend coverage or determine rates. Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation has investigated concerns and confirmed that even prior to passage of Senate Bill 82, no insurance company in Oregon has or will use these maps for insurance purposes. Additionally, some property owners shared a belief that their hazard rating should be lower due to implementation of defensible space strategies. By law, the map’s hazard assessments are based on weather, climate, topography and vegetation on a broader environmental scale than just an individual property. If a property owner has implemented appropriate defensible space already, there is likely nothing that a designation of high hazard and being within the wildland-urban interface will require of them when future code requirements are adopted.

Find more information on ODF’s wildfire hazard web page.

Committee For Emergency Fire Cost Meets Jan. 7 -12/31/24

SALEM, Ore. — The Emergency Fire Cost Committee will meet in the Tillamook Room, Building C, Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State Street in Salem on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. A virtual option will be available via Zoom video conference, which can be found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Financial status of the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund
• Weather update
• Update on status of large fire cost collection efforts
• Set district deductible rates for fiscal year 26
• Fiscal year 24 audit report
• Strategic investment proposal
• Business Services Division/Fire Protection Division/Administrator reports

The meeting is open to the public to attend in-person or virtually via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the end of the meeting. Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

The Emergency Fire Cost Committee (EFCC) oversees the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund (OFLPF), established by the Oregon Legislature as a fund with the purpose of equalizing emergency fire suppression costs among the various Oregon Department of Forestry protection districts and forest protective associations. All districts/associations contribute to the fund so that money will be available to any individual district/association to pay fire suppression costs on eligible emergency fires. View more information on the EFCC webpage.

Payments Going Out Quickly To Wildfire Vendors After Special Session -12/27/24

SALEM, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Forestry has been delivering on the commitment to get outstanding payments to wildland fire vendors as quickly as possible. The department processed $88 million since the Legislature allocated the department $191.5 million for the historic and costly 2024 fire season during its recent special session.

"Without these vendors, we could not have provided Oregonians with the wildfire protection we did this year," said State Forester Cal Mukumoto, ODF director. "It was critically important to take care of those who served right alongside us all summer."

Prior to the recent special session, ODF had paid out $130 million in fire season costs. Some of that money came from the State Emergency Board—which allocated $40 million toward the state’s portion of large fire costs in September—but the other $90 million was paid from the budgets of non-fire ODF programs. Under the state’s current wildfire funding structure, ODF uses budgeted funds from its other lines of business to pay for fire season costs and then carries that debt while awaiting federal reimbursements. This approach worked when gross large fire costs were averaging $11 million a year. Over the past decade, that average jumped to around $79 million, but the funding provided for large fires hasn’t increased accordingly.

"I commend the ODF team for their swift action to ensure the state's fire season costs are paid after having received the necessary resources from the Legislature during the recent special session. Again, my appreciation to lawmakers for their expeditious work," said Governor Tina Kotek. "Next year, I look forward to working with legislators to ensure the state finds a pathway for sustainable funding to cover wildfire costs in the years ahead."

Despite ODF's effort, this year's large fire costs far exceeded the funds ODF could muster, resulting in significant delays in payments to the companies that provide critical firefighting resources like people, aircraft and heavy equipment.

"It was a stressful time for our folks, as many had to take out credit lines to make their payrolls and pay their bills," explained Deborah Miley, executive director, National Wildfire Suppression Association. "Our members provide a significant amount of response to assist our agency partners during fire season, and we are proud to provide quality, cost-effective resources in Oregon’s time of need and look forward to continuing to serve."

Remaining fire costs are still under review. All charges and associated documentation are reviewed for accuracy and completeness by department payment teams prior to being approved for payment.

While the $191.5 million from the special session will help ODF considerably in cashflow management over the remainder of the biennium, the cashflow issue is just a symptom of the larger problem: how wildfire response and mitigation are funded in Oregon. "The way response and mitigation are currently funded is inadequate to address the growing complexity and cost of wildfires Oregon faces today," Mukumoto said. "The workgroup we have been heading up with the Department of the State Fire Marshal has been working hard for the past several months to identify alternative funding strategies to bring to the 2025 Legislature for consideration."

The Governor's Recommended Budget for the 2025-27 biennium identifies the need for at least an additional $130 million through new revenue to modernize and fully fund the state’s wildfire readiness and mitigation programs on an ongoing basis. This direction is in addition to the specific recommendation for $150 million to be redirected from going into state reserves and instead be appropriated to the agencies to pay for wildfire suppression costs as needed.

Nominations Are Now Open To Recognize Individuals And Orgs For Great Urban Forestry Work (Photo) -12/24/24

SALEM, Ore. – Feb. 15 is the deadline to nominate an individual or organization for recognition from the non-profit Oregon Community Trees (OCT) and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). Nomination for the 2025 Oregon Urban & Community Forestry Awards can be submitted through an online form.

Since 1994, OCT and ODF have recognized individuals, communities, and organizations in the state who demonstrate outstanding accomplishments and leadership in urban and community forestry. The goal of the awards program is two-fold:

Award categories

The Individual Award is given to a person who has made significant contributions to urban forestry in Oregon. This may be work in tree planting and care, engaging citizens in community forestry, raising awareness about urban trees, and protecting Oregon’s urban forests.        

The Organization Award is given to a business, non-profit, school or municipality actively promoting healthy urban and community forests in Oregon through education, awareness, advocacy and investment in our urban forests.

About Oregon Community Trees

Oregon Community Trees is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 whose mission is to promote healthy urban and community forests through leadership, education, awareness, and advocacy. OCT serves as the Oregon Department of Forestry’s advisory board on urban forestry issues.

Board Of Forestry To Meet On Jan. 8 And 9 -12/23/24

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet for hybrid public meetings on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 9 a.m. and Thursday, Jan. 9 at 9 a.m. The meetings will be held in the Tillamook Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. The meetings will also be livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel.

The board’s business agenda for Jan. 8 includes:

• Final Order – Douglas County, by and through the Douglas County Public Works Department
• John Krause 45 Year Service Award
• 2024 Forest Practices Operator of the Year Awards
• Legislative session information and Wildfire Funding Workgroup update
• Board planning calendar overview
• Annual update on the Adaptive Management Program (AMP)

The agenda for Jan. 9 includes:

• Board of Forestry Governance Committee update
• Oregon State University College of Forestry panel
• Climate Change and Carbon Plan implementation update
• State forester review process overview

The full agenda is available on the board’s webpage. Live testimony is available on both days. Sign-up for live testimony is required and instructions are available online. Written public testimony will also be accepted. 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 with the appropriate agenda item and topic included with the submission.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

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. Read more information about the board.

Board Of Forestry Governance Committee To Meets Virtually On Jan. 2 -12/23/24

SALEM, Ore. — The Board of Forestry Governance Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, Jan. 2 at 1 p.m. To join, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Review proposed addition to the Board Policy Manual
• Identify any additions, deletions or edits to the Board Policy Manual

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

This standing board committee recommends policies (or policy changes) to the board pertaining to governance issues and processes including the oversight and management of the BPM, orientation and training of new board members, the evaluation and improvement of the board, the repository of board materials, and oversight of the written conflict of interest policies, procedures, and review of annual or special statements of board members. Read more information about the committee.