[ODF_Private_Forests] Forestry Board to discuss temporary rule March 23

[WEEKS Kevin]

Oregon Department of Forestry
NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release                           Major media distribution
March 18, 2009                          Contact: Rod Nichols, 503-945-7425, or
09-08                                           Dan Postrel, 503-945-7420

Forestry Board to discuss Temporary Rule March 23

The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet March 23 to consider adoption of a temporary rule that would make contracting for firefighting resources more efficient for the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). ODF annually contracts for privately owned firefighting resources such as air tankers, helicopters and crews.

The meeting, which will be held by telephone conference call, is scheduled for 10 a.m.

Oregon’s administrative rules allow ODF’s Protection from Fire Program independent contracting authority for such services. To exercise this authority, the department must adopt its own rules regarding competitive contracting for firefighting resources.

During the 10 a.m. conference call, the board members will review a proposed temporary rule that establishes the contracting rules. If the board adopts the temporary rule, it will go into effect for a period of 180 days retroactive from Feb. 1, 2009. In the interim, the board would develop a permanent administrative rule.

Members of the public may observe the conference call meeting at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters office in the Clatsop Room, Administration Building (C), 2600 State St., in Salem.

More information on the Board of Forestry can be found at www.oregon.gov/ODF/BOARD/<http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/BOARD/>.

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Questions about the Private Forests News service?

Kevin Weeks
Public Information Officer / Private Forests Division
Oregon Department of Forestry
kweeks at odf.state.or.us
(503) 945-7427