From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Wed Jul 6 11:48:20 2011 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Wed, 6 Jul 2011 11:48:20 -0700 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Re-evaluation and Rebuilding of ODF Private Forests Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B601FF520F1A@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Private Forests News subscribers: Acting Private Forests Division chief Peter Daugherty sent this update to ODF staff on Friday July 1 regarding the rebuilding of the Private Forests Program within the Oregon Department of Forestry. Kevin Weeks Oregon Department of Forestry ************************************************* Folks, I am pleased to be sharing good news about the Private Forests program, and how we'll initiate the re-evaluation and rebuilding of our program. ODF's budget for the 2011-13 biennium, which begins today, has been approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. As discussed in Doug Decker's recent message, the budget contains good news for Private Forests. The budget restores significant resources for administration of the Forest Practices Act (FPA), related effectiveness monitoring, and the forest health unit. The budget reverses most of the reductions of the past few years, potentially returning staffing in the program approximately to 2007-2009 levels. The budget also came with two budget notes which require us to closely examine the efficiency and effectiveness of our administration of the FPA. We have been directed to contract with an independent third party to assess and make recommendations on cost savings, efficiencies, and cost avoidance strategies. While we have been given additional resources, they come with the expectation that we will build a leaner, more efficient and effective forest practices program. We have started the work on a plan for rebuilding Private Forests, working closely with our stakeholders, many of whom provided their support of ODF by talking to the Legislature about the need for full funding of ODF's 2011-13 budget. The first phase of rebuilding started this week. We will be hiring 12 stewardship foresters as quickly as possible to increase critically needed field capacity and retain valued expertise of those folks working in limited duration positions. A stewardship forester position will be added to each district, with the exception of Tillamook, which did not lose capacity in the 2009-10 staff reductions. As we have done throughout this period of budget adjustments, the Executive Team recognizes the significant value of the people who work for the agency and will make every effort to minimize impacts of budget implementation on employees. In implementing this first phase of adding stewardship foresters, we determined that the most equitable approach was to recruit all 12 positions at the same time. The Human Resources staff will first be contacting employees on the layoff list from the 2009-10 reductions to provide them the opportunity to exercise their recall rights for positions to which they are eligible. Once that process concludes, remaining openings would go out for open recruitment. I have started the work for a second phase of restoring stewardship forester capacity. I will be coordinating with the Area Directors to evaluate expected workloads and determine where we see a need to add capacity. This analysis will be coordinated with an efficiency and effectiveness review, and stakeholder input to ensure that we are rebuilding a credible program that has full support of our stakeholders. We envision the second-phase evaluation to be completed quickly, with the expectation to hire 7 to 10 additional stewardship foresters in 3 to 6 months. Thanks for your help, and for your hard work. Peter Daugherty -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Mon Jul 11 07:36:08 2011 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Mon, 11 Jul 2011 07:36:08 -0700 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] County advisory group to review forest plans July 21 Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B601FF521362@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Oregon Dept. of Forestry issued this news release to news media Friday. County advisory group to review forest plans July 21 July 8, 2011 Contact: Rod Nichols, 503-945-7425 A group of commissioners representing Oregon counties that in the past deeded forestland to the State for management will meet on Thursday July 21 in Salem. The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee's (FTLAC) meeting agenda includes: * Discussion of state forest-related bills in the recently concluded Oregon Legislature, * Review of NW Oregon Forest Management Plan implementation plans currently underway, * Review of fiscal budgets and revenue projections from state forest lands * Review of issues before the Board of Forestry in July 2011 including an evaluation of ODF land management by the Institute for Natural Resources. The meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. to Noon in the Santiam Room of the Department of Forestry's operations building, 2600 State Street in Salem. FTLAC meetings are open to the public, and an opportunity for public comment will be provided at 10 a.m. The FTLAC is a legally mandated committee of county commissioners representing counties that deeded lands to the state. The committee advises the Board of Forestry on matters where counties may have a responsibility related to forestland managed by ODF. Planning and policy decisions made by the board and department can affect revenues received by the counties with forest trust lands managed by ODF, which are located in the Tillamook State Forest and elsewhere. Counties depend on revenue generated from management activities on these lands. The revenue is used primarily for local schools, and also helps fund county government and local taxing districts. FTLAC is made up of seven members that represent the 15 counties that have state forest land within their county boundaries. The 15 trust counties are Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Douglas, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Tillamook and Washington. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Tue Jul 19 13:18:11 2011 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Tue, 19 Jul 2011 13:18:11 -0700 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Forestry Dept releases plans for NW state forests Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B601FF648DDC@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Oregon Dept. of Forestry issued this news release today. Forestry Department releases plans to implement new management direction in Tillamook, Clatsop state forests; phase-in provides flexibility for further review July 19, 2011 Contact: Dan Postrel (503) 945-7420 The Oregon Department of Forestry on Tuesday announced new implementation plans for management of 250,000 acres of state-owned forestland in Clatsop and Tillamook counties, carrying out revised direction from the state Board of Forestry. The board's direction is contained in the 2010 Northwest Oregon State Forest Management Plan. ODF's implementation of the board's direction raises the annual harvest goal about five percent above recent averages, while continuing to protect streams and wildlife, and to create a more natural mosaic of forest conditions in what is now a largely uniform, younger forest landscape. The implementation plans use a phased approach for increasing harvest, deferring some harvest projects for up to two years. This provides an opportunity to re-evaluate how the deferred harvests may contribute to complex forest structure, and to wildlife and aquatic habitats, in the future. It also creates a window of opportunity as the board re-examines its performance measures and management strategies for state forests in northwestern Oregon. "This represents another step as we continually refine our management in response to evolving scientific knowledge and changing public needs and interests," State Forester Doug Decker said. The board sets overarching goals for managing Oregon's state forests, providing the foundation for detailed implementation plans, such as those released Tuesday. The lands covered by the plans, in the Tillamook and Clatsop state forests, came into state ownership primarily in the 1950s, after significant fires and logging activity. They were extensively replanted during the early years of public ownership, and are managed today to provide a mix of social, economic and environmental benefits. Two-thirds of the revenue generated from timber sales goes to local counties; the rest funds forest management and fire protection on the lands. "Oregonians find much to value in their state forests - wildlife, clean water, recreation, economic benefits and more," Decker said. "Understandably, there's a high level of interest in how these forests are managed. These implementation plans move us in the near-term toward some new goals, while leaving options open for the mid- and long-term to shape the best management strategies for the future." Last year, the forestry board revised the management plan it had adopted for northwestern Oregon's state forests in 2001. The changes arose from updated scientific and technical information, and from concerns about the original plan's ability to achieve economic expectations. In addition, the board adopted performance measures for state forests, including specific performance targets for the Clatsop and Tillamook forests. The board's action in 2010 included raising timber sale revenue goals by 5 percent to 15 percent over the next decade, and reducing a long-term goal for creating older stands with features of more complex forest habitats, such as multi-layered canopies. The new goal, addressed in the implementation plans released Tuesday, is to create such stands across 17 percent to 20 percent of the landscape in 20 years, potentially increasing to 30 percent to 50 percent in the long term. Foresters add habitat diversity by using clearcuts to create forest openings and to establish new stands, and by thinning other stands to develop understory vegetation (layering) and to allow the remaining trees to grow larger more quickly. The plans build in integrated wildlife protection strategies, such as leaving downed wood, green trees and stream buffers, with more specific measures for sensitive fish and wildlife species. The plans announced Tuesday cover about half of the 518,000 acres in the Clatsop and Tillamook state forests. A new implementation plan for the remaining acreage is still being developed. These forestlands are among Oregon's most productive, growing more wood each year than is harvested. Managing them to provide a sustainable flow of multiple benefits, as required by Oregon law, is a matter of continuous learning and adjustment, Decker said. The phase-in announced Tuesday provides an opportunity for the forestry board to take stock of current management approaches and of its performance measures, which describe the desired mix of forest benefits. "Change and uncertainty are our constant, natural companions in management of these forests," Decker said. "We're working hard to find the best path forward today, while keeping options open for the future." ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Thu Jul 21 15:00:26 2011 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:00:26 -0700 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Forestry Board to meet in Coos Bay July 28 Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B601FF6491E5@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Oregon Dept. of Forestry issued this news release Wednesday. Forestry Board to meet in Coos Bay July 28 For immediate release Major media distribution July 21, 2011 Contact: Rod Nichols, 503-945-7425, rnichols at odf.state.or.us Dan Postrel, 503-945-7420, dpostrel at odf.state.or.us Pesticide use and management planning for state-owned forests are among agenda items the Oregon Board of Forestry will take up at it July 28 meeting in Coos Bay. The Board is also scheduled to consider for final approval an update of its Forestry Program for Oregon, an over-arching strategy for sustainable management of Oregon's forests. Agenda highlights: 2011 Forestry Program for Oregon - The department will request board approval of the 2011 Forestry Program for Oregon, reflecting changes made by the board at its April 29 meeting. The strategic planning document describes the board's mission, values, vision, goals, objectives and indicators of sustainable forest management. Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) conducted a public review of the draft document from September through December 2010. Institute for Natural Resources report follow-up - In its presentation to the board in April, the Oregon State University Institute for Natural Resources (INR) provided analysis and recommendations concerning several aspects of state forest management in northwestern Oregon. At the July 28 meeting, ODF staff will present options and recommendations for following up on this report. The recommendations include: ? Activities for the board to incorporate in its work plan, such as improving performance measures ? Areas for ODF to address, such as clarifying points of agreement and disagreement with the INR report ? Prioritizing efforts through a discussion of the board work plan for state forests Forest Cluster Working Group report - The Forest Cluster Working Group will present a report recommending that state government promote a set of urgent recommendations for federal forests and a set for state and private forests. Forestry accounts for nearly six percent of Oregon's total payroll and ranks third among industries that produce income from goods and services sold out of state. The Working Group was formed to address key challenges facing the state's "forest cluster" of allied industries and businesses. The challenges include: * deteriorating forest health * disinvestment in forestland ownership * eroding manufacturing capacity Committee for Family Forestlands annual report - The Committee for Family Forestlands (CFF) will present a report on its activities over the past year, discuss progress on key issues, and make recommendations on policy matters affecting family forestland. The CFF will also identify key issues/topics in its work plan for the coming year. Key issues include: ? Comprehensive review of ODF revenue and budget models ? Forest cluster infrastructure and economic vitality ? Eastern Oregon forest management Pesticide workshop follow-up - The board will hold a work session to discuss information presented at its March and April Pesticide Workshops, which were part of an ongoing effort to create a greater understanding of the board's authority, roles, responsibilities and relationships regarding pesticide policy. The discussion will focus on what was learned and how this knowledge informs board policy. The work session format is based on public comment and other information previously received, and does not include an additional public comment period. The meeting is open to the public, and comments will be received on forestry-related items not included in the agenda during a general comment period shortly after 8 a.m. Members of the public wishing to comment on specific agenda items will have an opportunity to address the board during the time each item is scheduled. Meeting time and location - The board meeting will begin at 8 a.m. at The Mill Hotel in the Willow-Beargrass Room, 3201 Tremont Ave., in North Bend. Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services or assistance can be arranged by calling the department's Agency Affairs Office at least 48 hours before the meeting, 503-945-7200, text telephone 503-945-7213. Board tour July 29 - On Friday, July 29, the Board of Forestry will tour the Coquille Tribe's forest operations. The tour will commence with an 8 a.m. briefing at The Mill Hotel in the Hazel Room. Tour themes will include the Tribe's successful management to meet the objectives of the federal Northwest Forest Plan, and a joint pilot program with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to explore innovative forest management techniques. Members of the public are welcome to join the tour but must provide their own transportation. More information on the Board of Forestry can be found at: www.oregonforestry.gov. Background information on the July 28 meeting, including staff reports, is available through the 2011 "Meeting Schedules" link on the website. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Mon Jul 25 15:21:17 2011 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:21:17 -0700 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Governor requests SCOTUS review of NEDC vs. Brown Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B601FF6495A2@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> OFFICE OF GOVERNOR JOHN A. KITZHABER, M.D. NEWS RELEASE July 25, 2011 Media Contact: Christine Miles, 503-559-8795 Amy Wojcicki, 503-689-5324 Governor Kitzhaber Asks U.S. Supreme Court to Review Forest Roads Ruling (SALEM, Ore.) ? Governor Kitzhaber today requested the Oregon Attorney General?s office to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision that forest roads require individual water discharge permits under the federal Clean Water Act. Governor Kitzhaber considers certain portions of the ruling by the federal Court of Appeals to be legally flawed and is concerned that the ruling could create increased economic, social, and environmental instability across Oregon?s important forest management sector. Specifically, the Governor believes the Ninth Circuit?s ruling wrongly mandates a permitting approach that should have been left to the discretion of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and states and effectively overturns a rule that has been in place for 35 years. ?The Clean Water Act stipulates that challenges to rules adopted to implement the act must be brought within 120 days of the adoption of the rule,? Kitzhaber said. ?Allowing a challenge to proceed now, in one state, 35 years after the rule?s adoption, throws the timber industry and agencies into confusion; upsets established expectations; and will lead to different rules in different parts of the county ? contrary to congressional intent.? Oregon Board of Forestry chair John Blackwell agreed with the Governor?s decision to ask the Supreme Court to review the ruling. ?Clean water is a crucial benefit of well-managed forests,? said John Blackwell. ?Roads are critical to that management, and we need sound rules about the construction and use of roads in forests. But that?s a matter best addressed by natural resources agencies, not the courts.? The Governor strongly believes that improvements in water quality are needed, but that those improvements will most effectively be achieved through constructive interactions between policy makers, regulatory agencies, forest landowners and managers, and other interests. ?I?m not arguing with the outcome sought by the plaintiffs in this litigation: to improve forest road management and curtail impacts that result in harmful discharges to streams and degradation of water quality and fish habitat,? said Governor Kitzhaber. ?However, we are at a point in the history of our management of forest lands where we need to develop stability, consensus, and collaboration, not management by lawsuit. Dramatically expanding citizen lawsuits risks accelerating the conversion of our forest land to development, costing us both in terms of harvest revenue and environmental values, as well.? The Oregon Department of Justice will prepare a petition for the Supreme Court?s review in the coming months. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has decided to pursue a legislative response to the Ninth Circuit?s decision. While Governor Kitzhaber recognizes that a narrow amendment to the Clean Water Act may ultimately be necessary, he does not believe that this should be our starting point. ?Before seeking a legislative solution we should fully explore an administrative resolution of the issues created by the Ninth Circuit?s decision, including approaches that improve water quality while minimizing or avoiding the requirement for individual permits,? said Governor Kitzhaber. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: