From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Thu Dec 13 08:32:03 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Thu, 13 Dec 2012 08:32:03 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Imeson and Rose new Forestry Board members Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60B48FF4D1D@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Oregon Department of Forestry - NEWS RELEASE Imeson, Rose new Forestry Board members December 12, 2012 Contact: Rod Nichols, 503-945-7425 Dan Postrel, 503-945-7420 The Oregon Senate Wednesday confirmed Gov. John Kitzhaber's appointments of Tom Imeson as chair and Michael Rose as a member of the state Board of Forestry. They will fill vacancies left by current chair John Blackwell and board member Steve Wilson, whose terms expire at the end of December. Both Blackwell and Wilson asked that Kitzhaber not reappoint them, so that they could pursue other personal and professional interests. Imeson, of Portland, is currently public affairs director at the Port of Portland. He has extensive experience in state and federal government, with a focus on natural resources and energy. He worked for 15 years on U.S. Sen. Mark Hatfield's personal staff and on the staffs of the Senate's Energy and Natural Resources and Appropriations committees. He was chief of staff for Gov. Neil Goldschmidt, and later became vice-president for public affairs and communications with PacifiCorp. He has served on a number of civic and state boards, including the Land Conservation and Development Commission and the Board of Higher Education. "I have a deep appreciation of the critical role Oregon's forests play in our state," he said, "including their importance to our economy, and their contributions to wildlife habitat, recreation and other values." Rose, of Elkton, has represented forest industry workers for 36 years, through the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Woodworkers District Lodge in Gladstone, and the International Woodworkers of America Local Lodge in Reedsport. A logger with International Paper Company's Gardiner facility, he has worked in the forest products industry for 20 years. "All of my family and friends, and many of our local economies, depend on the timber industry," he said. "I think my interests and experience will help in maintaining a productive forest while addressing the needs of a clean, healthy environment." Blackwell said that "service to Oregon as chair of the Board of Forestry has been among the most challenging and fulfilling aspects of my professional forestry career. I'm proud of the board's shared accomplishments over the past four years, and pleased with the quality of leadership and staff at the Oregon Department of Forestry." Blackwell, of Portland, previously chaired the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission, and served in a number of executive capacities with the World Forestry Center, including as founding president. Wilson, of Oregon City, is leaving the board to spend more time with family and to focus on his new job with an employee benefits consulting firm in Portland. He retired earlier this year as assistant directing business representative with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Kitzhaber said Imeson and Rose will bring valuable leadership, skills and perspectives as the forestry board continues with significant work, including charting future management of state-owned forests for the greatest benefit to Oregonians. "Tom has a rich background in public service, particularly in forest policy at the state and federal levels," he said. "Managing all of our forests with sound policies is essential to Oregon's economic recovery and long-term wellbeing." He also praised the work of Blackwell and Wilson. "The board is in a good place and is working well," he said. "The board, the Department of Forestry and the state as a whole are better off because of John's leadership." The board consists of seven citizens serving four-year terms. Functions include appointing the state forester, providing broad oversight of the department, 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 on the board is available at www.oregon.gov/ODF/BOARD. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Thu Dec 13 08:33:39 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Thu, 13 Dec 2012 08:33:39 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Committee for Family Forestlands to meet December 17 in Salem Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60B48FF4D1F@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Oregon Department of Forestry ? NEWS RELEASE Committee for Family Forestlands to meet December 17 in Salem December 12, 2012 News Contacts: Cynthia Orlando (503-945-7421) Lena Tucker (503-945-7529) The Committee for Family Forestlands meets at 9:00 a.m. this coming Monday, December 17, 2012 at the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) headquarters in Salem, 2600 State Street - Operations Building D, Santiam meeting room. The Committee provides information and counsel to the Oregon Board of Forestry and the State Forester about ways to improve the vitality of Oregon?s family-owned forestlands. On the agenda The proposed agenda for the meeting includes Oregon Department of Forestry Board member Nils Christoffersen sharing information about the organization Wallowa Resources, discussion of an economic study by the Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI), representation on the committee by Oregon State University Extension, and building a cohesive wildfire strategy ? a collaborative effort for successful wildland fire management. Thirteen positions ? seven voting members and six seats in non-voting roles ? form the committee. Voting members include family forest owners, an environmental community representative, a representative of Oregon?s forest products industry and a citizen-at-large representing the public. Representatives of the Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State University, Oregon Small Woodlands Association, forestry-related industry associations and the Oregon Forest Resources Institute serve in a non-voting capacity. Members of the public are invited to attend and participate in the meeting. The 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 503-945-7502. Additional information about the Committee for Family Forestlands is available on ODF?s web site, www.oregon.gov/ODF/BOARD/CFF/cff.aspx # # # Cynthia Orlando Oregon Department of Forestry Agency Affairs & Urban Forestry programs ph# 503.945.7421 fax# 503.945.7212 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Mon Dec 17 16:05:11 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:05:11 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] DC Visit and Legislative Update Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60B48FF52F3@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> State Forester Doug Decker provided this update to Oregon Department of Forestry staff today regarding his recent mission to Washington D.C., and items of note this December. Kevin Weeks Oregon Department of Forestry From: DECKER Doug S Subject: DC Visit and Legislative Update Good morning. A note today to recap a couple of eventful weeks, and to follow up on my earlier promise to reflect on the DC visit during the first week of December. But first, to more timely updates: 1. Hopefully you saw the news release last week about our new Board of Forestry Chair Tom Imeson, and Board member Mike Rose. These two new members take their seats in January, and we bid farewell and sincere thanks to Chair John Blackwell and member Steve Wilson. We're planning a brief recognition-thanks-welcome as we start the Board meeting here in Salem on Wednesday, January 9th. If you are here and would like to drop by the Tillamook Room (and can get in, there may be standing room only), please do. The meeting begins at 9. 1. A very productive several days last week with the Oregon Legislature. We were before the Emergency Board to seek allocation of Special Purpose Appropriation funds to help pay for the 2012 fire season, and we presented details about work underway in State Forests, and about the Wildfire Protection Act. Our presentations were met with strong interest and support from legislators, and the 2012 fire funds were approved. 1. Individual meetings with legislators last week continued to reflect a high degree of satisfaction and support for how you carry out the Department's mission. We're readying for a busy legislative session which begins early next year and ensuring our legislative leaders have the information and context they need about our legislative agenda and budget for the coming session. Now to reflections on the DC trip: Witnessing the Supreme Court in action was fascinating: The decorum around how the court operates is everything you'd think it should be. It's impressive to observe our nation's finest legal practitioners engage in sophisticated, spirited but collegial exchanges in this venerable setting. Like watching great athletes who are the best at what they do. On our particular case, however, the outcome was not particularly satisfying. Considerable confusion arose from the filing the previous business day of some federal rules with significant bearing on the case. Here's a link to the Washington Post story on the morning's activities. No word yet from the court on next steps, though it seems likely they will not take up the merits of the case. Oregon's Congressional Delegation interested in forests and forestry: I visited with all of Oregon's six members of Congress or their key natural resource aides, focusing specifically on federal forest policy. Interest and attention is being paid nationally to Oregon's initiative to influence federal forest management issues, including Governor Kitzhaber's work on finding a new approach to managing O&C forest lands, and his recent budget proposal to help support the work of federal forest collaboratives. Our delegation members-like many Oregon legislators I visited with last week-recognize that change is necessary to achieve greater environmental, social and economic benefits and to restore the long-term health of Oregon's federal forests. The path is challenging, but we have opportunity, with strong interest and support from the Governor, Oregon's congressional delegation, from the Board of Forestry, the Oregon legislature, and from communities and organizations statewide. This will be a high priority for me and for the Board in the coming year. Forest Legacy projects ready for success: Oregon is well positioned to make use of this federal funding to secure the future of two landscapes at risk of conversion out of working forest use with projects at number 6 and number 11 on the President's national list of funding priorities for the current federal fiscal year. Both of our projects are in eastern Oregon: one involves completion of acquisition for our Gilchrist State Forest and the other a conservation easement on about 1,400 acres of forest and range in the Blue Mountains. While in DC, I met with U.S. Forest Service leaders to bolster support for these projects, and with others to emphasize the importance of these actions. I'm hopeful that Forest Legacy can be an increasingly effective tool for forest conservation here in Oregon. Holidays Ahead ~ Time with families to take stock, slow things down: I was deeply troubled and moved by the two extraordinary instances of violence that shook our nation last week, and reminded again about the preciousness of our families and the communities where we live. There is no simple explanation for these events. For me, there is only a reminder to count our blessings with those precious to us, to take an extra moment to observe and listen to others, to find simple ways to lend compassion to those in need. As it happened, we had an opportunity here in Salem last week to do those very things. Almost 140 members of our Forestry family gathered for our annual Holiday Luncheon, a warm occasion to enjoy the company of colleagues, and to rekindle connections with many of our retirees. When the feast was done, those who had worked so hard to organize the event went a step further, sharing extra food with families in need, including a single mother whose teenage son has disabilities. It's gratifying to know that fellowship and acts of kindness are still very much alive among us. As we approach the holidays and slow our lives down a bit for perspective and for rest, I extend my best wishes to you and your family. Best, Doug Decker, Oregon State Forester Director, Oregon Department of Forestry Oregon Department of Forestry 2600 State Street, Salem OR 97301 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Tue Dec 18 09:47:56 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2012 09:47:56 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Department of Forestry tobacco-free facilities Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60B48FF53BE@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> December 18, 2012 To: Our visitors and stakeholders Re: Department of Forestry grounds and campuses become tobacco-free on January 1, 2013. Greetings - Governor Kitzhaber signed an executive order last August that established tobacco-free state properties, a measure intended to promote a healthier environment for Oregonians. While smoking long has been prohibited in state buildings, this order also covers the adjoining state-owned grounds and campuses. Accordingly, after January 1, 2013, use of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, will be prohibited on our compounds and grounds around the state. When you visit our facilities late this year or early next, you'll see signs reminding employees and visitors of the new policy. The Governor's order does not apply to open lands such as state forests. Agencies with such lands will address tobacco policies for those areas over the next two years, in accordance with the Governor's order. Please pass this information along to others who may need it, and thank you for your cooperation as we implement this direction in the new year. Best wishes, Dan Postrel Public Affairs Director Oregon Department of Forestry dpostrel at odf.state.or.us (503) 945-7420 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Wed Dec 19 16:26:11 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:26:11 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Small Outbreaks of Ips Bark Beetles in the Columbia River Gorge Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60B491AC012@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 11, 2012 For further information contact: Todd Murray, WSU Skamania County Extension 509.427.3931 tmurray at wsu.edu Glenn Ahrens, OSU Extension Forester 503-655-8631 glenn.ahrens at oregonstate.edu Small Outbreaks of Ips Bark Beetles in the Columbia River Gorge Mosier OR - Recent fires and last winter's ice storms created a great late season smorgasbord of susceptible pine trees for the California fivespined Ips bark beetle. Top-killed ponderosa pine trees and dead young and old pines scatter the landscape in the eastern Gorge with small outbreaks occurring in Mosier, and Hood River Oregon and in Washington around Underwood, White Salmon and Catherine Creek Trail Area, just west of Lyle. This level of mortality due to California fivespined Ips has not been previously reported in the eastern Gorge area. Entomologists and foresters from the US Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry and Washington Department of Natural Resources and extension specialists from both states met in early December to tour areas of the eastern Gorge where bark beetle outbreaks are occurring. The reddening tops of the infested trees became more abundant in November. Due to outbreak conditions, experts recommend landowners do pruning and thinning work before January or wait until mid-October next year. "Normally pruning and thinning work can be done from July through December but since we are experiencing small outbreaks, we would suggest landowners prune trees before January or wait until mid-October next year to do pine tree pruning and thinning work. This is also a good time to remove recently killed or dying pine trees that show evidence of being infested by bark beetles," stated Rob Flowers of Oregon Department of Forestry. "Tree volatiles from slash piles and fresh pruning wounds seem to be attractive to flying beetles in the spring and summer months during this period of high beetle populations. Otherwise healthy trees that should normally resist bark beetle infestations are getting mass-attacked," added Glenn Kohler, Entomologist with Washington State Department of Natural Resources, emphasizing conditions characteristic of outbreaks. Bark beetles love to take advantage of stressed-out trees. Adult beetles lay eggs underneath the bark where larvae feed on the living tissue of the bark. High populations can kill both young and old trees alike. Normally, healthy trees naturally defend themselves from bark beetle attack by "pitching" them out with sap. The California fivespined Ips was recorded in the Underwood area of Washington State for the first time in 2010. This species was unknown to occur at damaging population levels in eastern Oregon until then. The range of this Ips beetle had recently been documented to extend throughout the Willamette Valley. Now experts have found the beetle as far north as Fort Lewis, WA in Thurston County and as far east as The Dalles, OR. The California fivespined Ips only feeds on pine trees and can affect ornamental trees as well as those in the forest. "In the previously known ranges of this bark beetle, outbreaks are short-lived, only lasting for a year or two. If no new fires or storms create slash and stressed trees this next year, I expect populations to return to normal levels," stated Todd Murray of WSU Skamania County Extension. To avoid beetle populations building up on your healthy pine trees, prune trees only from mid-October through December during these outbreaks. Right now, weather permitting, is a great time to work on pruning or removal of infested trees. Clean up all debris and chip or burn it before next spring when adult beetles emerge. If you have pine trees whose foliage has rapidly changed to yellow, orange, or red in the past season, it is best to remove these trees. Beetles within these trees will continue to develop, even if they are felled, unless the materials are destroyed or de-barked before next spring. Always check with your local fire district on burning regulations prior to burning debris. If using trees for firewood, be sure to debark the logs. Promote drying of the logs as soon as possible and do not stack wood near other pine stands. "OSU Extension Forestry is hosting a two-hour tree health workshop to discuss beetle problems along with other pine heath issues happening in the Gorge," said Glenn Ahrens extension forester at the OSU Hood River Extension office. The workshop will be on Saturday, January 12, from 10:00am to noon at the Hood River Extension Office located at 990 Experiment Station Drive, Hood River, OR 97031. To learn more, WSU Extension has developed a factsheet, Pest Watch: California Fivespined Ips - A pine engraver new to Washington State which can be downloaded for free at: http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/FS085E/FS085E.pdf. For more information, please contact Glenn Ahrens, OSU Extension Forester at 503-655-8631 (glenn.ahrens at oregonstate.edu) or Todd Murray (tmurray at wsu.edu, 509-427-3931) at the WSU Extension office. Additional contacts: Rob Flowers (rflowers at odf.state.or.us, 503-945-7396) at Oregon Department of Forestry or Glenn Kohler (glenn.kohler at dnr.wa.gov, 360-902-1342) at Washington State Department of Natural Resources. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Fri Dec 21 09:06:19 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2012 09:06:19 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Forest biomass grants offered for NE Oregon projects Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60B491AC241@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> The Oregon Dept. of Forestry issued this news release today. Forest biomass grants offered for NE Oregon projects December 21, 2012 Major media distribution Contact: Marcus Kauffman, 541-580-7480 mkauffman at odf.state.or.us Have an idea for using woody biomass from northeastern Oregon forests to produce heat, electricity or fuel? You may be eligible for grant funding from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to help with your project. ODF has $60,000 in federal grant funds to award to applicants whose projects would help restore overgrown forest timber stands by putting this excess woody material to work in a cost-effective manner. Marcus Kauffman, ODF's biomass resource specialist, said the grant opportunity provides public funds to explore the economic and technical feasibility of new biomass utilization projects. "We seek to encourage the construction of new biomass heating, co-generation and biomass manufacturing facilities here in the region with these grant dollars," he said. "There is a clear relationship between fuel buildup in our forests and severe wildfires. Fuels-reduction activities and woody biomass utilization can help break that link." Provided to ODF by the U.S. Forest Service, the grant funds can be used by private and public entities to pay for feasibility studies, and the design and engineering of forest biomass projects. Individual awards of as much as $20,000 and up to 75 percent of project costs may be made. Projects must be located in northeastern Oregon (Union, Baker, Wallowa, Umatilla and Grant counties). The deadline for submitting grant applications is Feb. 1, 2013. Submission must be made online through the Oregon Procurement Information Network (ORPIN), www.orpin.oregon.gov. The grant reference No. is: ODF 2079-12. More information about the grant can also be found at that website. Technical questions about the grant should be sent to: Marcus Kauffman, mkauffman at odf.state.or.us. Questions about the application process should be sent to: Patricia Morgan, pmorgan at odf.state.or.us. The grant is one of the nation's first to demonstrate concrete actions toward a national Cohesive Wildfire Strategy. The strategy aims to: ? Restore and maintain resilient landscapes ? Create fire-adapted communities ? Improve response to wildfire By fostering stronger markets for woody biomass, Kaufmann said, ODF is hoping to help stretch scarce fuels-reduction dollars and provide additional jobs for rural communities in northeastern Oregon. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: