From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Mon Feb 6 10:45:20 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 10:45:20 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] ODF - Pilot project tests improvements to the ODF notification system Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60208AAC6F2@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Oregon Department of Forestry - Private Forests Division News - February 6, 2012 Pilot project tests improvements to the ODF notification system The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is pilot-testing some changes to its forest operation notification and inspection processing systems from February through April 2012 at the Coos Bay, Dallas and Klamath Falls offices. This project is in response to direction from the 2011 Legislature to review the administration of the Forest Practices Act and make recommendations that could result in cost savings and improved customer service. The Department contracted with a business consultant to undertake an extensive analysis and redesign of Forest Practices Act administrative processes. Landowners, forest operators and public members provided valuable input in meetings and focus group sessions. Main elements of the notification changes being tested include: * More consistent entry of notification data into a central geographic information system (GIS). * Streamlined processing of notifications and capturing field inspection data. * Increased ODF Stewardship Forester field inspection time and landowner/operator interactions, as less time is spent on paperwork and map preparation. We want to hear your ideas! ODF's goal for the pilot project is to evaluate and improve our customer service, and we appreciate hearing your thoughts and feedback. If you want to provide feedback on our pilot please send an e-mail, fax or regular mail with the subject line "Budget Note 2" to: Email -- information at odf.state.or.us Fax - (503) 945-7490 Mailing Address: Oregon Department of Forestry Private Forests - Budget Note 2 2600 State Street Salem, OR 97310 ### Kevin Weeks Public Information Officer Oregon Department of Forestry Public Affairs Office (503) 945-7427 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Mon Feb 6 14:24:21 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 14:24:21 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Forest Health in Oregon: State of the State 2012 Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60208AAC7D5@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Forest Health in Oregon: State of the State 2012 March 1. 2012 -- LaSells Stewart Center - Oregon State University, Corvallis Forest Health in Oregon: State of the State 2012 is a one-day conference and continuing education event designed to synthesize the current forest health conditions of Oregon forests by focusing on mortality agents and other factors that negatively impact forest trees. The conference is for those interested in Oregon forests, particularly foresters, forest managers, environmentalists, resource professionals, and woodland owners. Topics include Forest Insect Pests, Forest Tree Diseases, Hardwoods, Vertebrate Damage, Non-Native Invasive Forest Pests and Weeds, and Fire. The program is designed to give participants access to scientists during extended panel question periods. At lunch, we will have themed tables where forest health specialists and scientists will be represented so participants can engage in discussions on their preferred topics in a relaxed setting. Cost: $85 Registration, conference agenda and conference information website: http://oregonstate.edu/conferences/event/foresthealth2012 Continuing education credits are being pursued for Society of American Foresters, Pro Logger, and International Society of Arborists members. Sponsored by - Oregon State University // OSU College of Forestry, OSU Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, OSU Dept. of Forest Engineering, Resources, and Management, OSU Dept. of Forest Ecosystems and Society; the Oregon Department of Forestry, Swiss Needle Cast Cooperative, Oregon Forest Resources Institute, Oregon Department of Agriculture/Plant Division, United States Forest Service -- Forest Health Protection, NW Fire Science Consortium, USDA APHIS National Wildlife Research Center. Contacts for additional information: David Shaw: dave.shaw at oregonstate.edu -- 541-737-2845 Paul Oester: paul.t.oester at oregonstate.edu --541-963-1010 ### Forwarded by Oregon Department of Forestry - Public Affairs Office -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Tue Feb 7 09:41:15 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 09:41:15 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Committee for Family Forestlands meets February 17 in Salem Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60208AAC8EA@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Oregon Department of Forestry - NEWS RELEASE Committee for Family Forestlands meets February 17 in Salem February 7, 2012 Contact: Kevin Weeks (503) 945-7427 The Committee for Family Forestlands is scheduled to meet at 9:00 a.m. on Friday February 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 to the Oregon Board of Forestry and the State Forester on ways to improve the vitality of Oregon's family forestlands. The proposed agenda for the meeting includes updates on forest health in Oregon, an update on the work of the ODF Fire Protection Funding Committee, a presentation on changing demographics of eastern Oregon forest ownership, and updates from ODF staff regarding ongoing issues and projects of interest to family forest landowners. 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.shtml ### Kevin Weeks Public Information Officer ODF Public Affairs Office (503) 945-7427 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Tue Feb 7 09:42:33 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 09:42:33 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] County advisory group for forestry to meet 2-17 Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60208AAC8EC@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Oregon Dept. of Forestry - NEWS RELEASE County advisory group for forestry to meet Feb. 17 February 7, 2012 Contact: Rod Nichols, 503-945-7425 rnichols at odf.state.or.us A group of commissioners representing Oregon counties that in the past deeded forestland to the state for management will meet on Friday, Feb. 17, in Salem. The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee's (FTLAC) agenda includes: * Oregon State Forester Doug Decker will provide background on a public-private "rails-and-trails" project being discussed in the Oregon Coast Range * Update on State Forest implementation plans * Discussion of State Forest-related agenda items to be addressed at the March 7 Board of Forestry meeting, including: Next phase of land acquisition for the Gilchrist State Forest State Forest conservation areas State Forest performance measure improvements * Updates on legislative and legal matters The meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters in the Tillamook Room - Administration Building (D), 2600 State St., in Salem. FTLAC meetings are open to the public, and an opportunity for public comment will be provided around 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 include: 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 Mon Feb 13 15:43:41 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:43:41 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] New Board of Forestry Members Confirmed by the Senate Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60208B28B3A@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Subject: New Board of Forestry Members Confirmed by the Senate Good afternoon. I wanted to provide a brief introduction for you to our three new Board of Forestry members, who were appointed by the Governor, and confirmed this morning by the Oregon Senate. But first, an appreciation for our three outgoing members, who have provided excellent service to the Board and Department, and to Oregonians and our forests: Peter Hayes of Portland; Cal Mukumoto of Coos Bay; and Jennifer Phillippi of Cave Junction. We thank them for their contributions of service and leadership and consider them partners in promoting the health and sustainability of Oregon?s forests for the future. Our three new members are: Nils Christoffersen, Enterprise Nils currently serves as Executive Director of the non-profit Wallowa Resources, based in Enterprise. He?s a native of northern Virginia and holds a bachelor?s degree with honors in economics from Williams College in Massachusetts, and a master?s degree in forestry and land use from Oxford University. Nils has been with Wallowa Resources since 1999, and has been executive director since 2007. Before coming to northeast Oregon, Nils worked as Executive Director of Africa Resources Trust USA in Washington DC; as Regional Program Coordinator in Southern Africa for the World Conservation Union; and as International Program Officer for the Agricultural University of Norway. He has served on and chaired the Governor?s Eastside Forest Advisory Panel, the National Commission on Science for Sustainable Forestry, and currently chairs the Enterprise School Board. Cindy Deacon Williams, Medford Cindy is a consulting fisheries biologist, with 30 years of service in state and federal government and in the non-profit world. She is a Nevada native and holds a bachelor?s degree from Oregon State University and a master?s degree from California State University in Sacramento, both in biological sciences. Cindy has worked in the California Legislature as chief of staff to Assemblyman Robert J. Campbell; and for the USDA Forest Service as Assistant Fisheries Program Leader and co-leader of the Interior Columbia Basin EIS Team. She has served as Director of Aquatic Science and Conservation Education Programs for the National Center for Conservation Science and Policy. She currently works in private practice as a natural resources consultant. Tom Insko, La Grande Tom is Region Manager for Boise?s Inland region, which includes eight manufacturing facilities and approximately 925 employees. He is a native of eastern Oregon growing up on the family farm 35 miles north of La Grande. Tom is a graduate of Eastern Oregon University where he received degrees in mathematics and business economics, and he holds a Masters of Business Administration from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. He has worked for Boise Cascade for 16 years with the majority of his responsibilities focused on operations management. He?s worked as analyst; plant superintendent at Boise?s Elgin stud mill; production manager for the overall Elgin Complex; senior financing manager at the corporate offices; and as manager of Boise?s Washington Region. Tom has served on the Eastern Oregon University Foundation since 2006, and is currently its Vice President. Our three new members join our four currently serving members: Sybil Ackerman of Portland; John Blackwell, Chair, of Portland; Gary Springer of Corvallis; and Steve Wilson of Portland. The full group of seven will meet together for the first time at the March 7th Board meeting in Salem. I?m working with Chair Blackwell and the Executive Team on orientation materials and experiences to bring our new members up to speed. As Nils, Cindy and Tom begin their four-year terms, we?re poised to move forward with a strong Board that brings rich diversity?geographically as well as in life experience and perspective. This synergy is important as the Board provides statewide leadership on behalf of sustainable forests and forestry. In the months ahead I hope you?ll have an opportunity to help us welcome our new Board members as we take our meetings and tours on the road to Newport, Tillamook and John Day. Thought you?d like to know. Keep up the good work, and stay safe. -Doug ____________________________________________ Doug Decker, Oregon State Forester Director, Oregon Department of Forestry Office: 503-945-7211 Oregon Department of Forestry 2600 State Street, Salem OR 97301 http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/ -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: application/octet-stream Size: 9725 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Tue Feb 14 08:11:19 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:11:19 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee meets February 21 in Salem Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60208AAD0C4@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Oregon Department of Forestry - NEWS RELEASE State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee meets February 21 in Salem February 14, 2012 Contact: Kevin Weeks (503) 945-7427 Oregon's State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee will meet on Tuesday February 21, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) headquarters in Salem, 2600 State Street (Operations Building D - Santiam meeting room). The proposed agenda for the meeting is scheduled to include Committee discussion with State Forester Doug Decker about 2012 planned projects for ODF related to private forestlands, including forestry education/outreach programs, landowner assistance and incentive programs and addressing the concerns of family forest landowners in Oregon. Public comments are scheduled to be heard at 10:00 a.m. 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 503-945-7368. The State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee - consisting of representatives from state and federal natural resource agencies, private forest landowners, consulting foresters, forest industry and conservation organizations - advises the State Forester on policies and procedures for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service - State and Private Forestry programs such as Forest Legacy and Forest Stewardship. The State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee also serves as the forestry subcommittee to the Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (OTAC), advising both the USDA Farm Services Agency and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service on federal farm and forestry assistance programs. In 2010, the State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee provided oversight of ODF's development of the 2010 Oregon Statewide Forest Assessment and Resource Strategy. Additional information about the State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee is available on ODF's web site at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/RESOURCE_PLANNING/sfscc.shtml and information about the Forest Legacy Program is available at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/privateforests/forestlegacy.shtml ### Kevin Weeks Public Information Officer Oregon Department of Forestry Public Affairs Office (503) 945-7427 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Thu Feb 23 10:29:54 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:29:54 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Rimrock West leverages resources to reduce wildfire risk Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60208C2EA2F@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Oregon Department of Forestry - NEWS RELEASE Rimrock West leverages resources to reduce wildfire risk For immediate release Major media distribution February 23, 2012 Contact: Rod Nichols, 503-945-7425, rnichols at odf.state.or.us The residents of Rimrock West on the north side of Bend knew they had a problem: dense stands of juniper and pine intermingled with thick brush and grass, and much of the vegetation lay close to homes. So bad was the wildfire hazard that a local college professor brought his students to the 43-home community to show them first-hand what an urban-forest interface zone at extremely high risk of fire looks like. Lacking the technical expertise to correct the situation, the community turned to local, state and federal fire agencies. In collaboration with Bend Fire and Rescue and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Oregon Department of Forestry's (ODF) Stu Otto and Elden Ward conducted an assessment of every property in the community for wildfire risk. They provided a detailed report on the risks they found and offered specifics on how to reduce them. Rimrock homeowners promptly took action. They: ? Stepped up yard maintenance to interrupt the fuel pathway that could enable a wildfire to reach structures ? Followed the free Firewise Communities USA program tips on modifying their homes and landscaping to make them less vulnerable to ignition from flying embers or a flame front "Ninety-one percent of Rimrock West properties now meet Firewise standards," said Stephen Clark, president of the Rimrock Homeowners' Association. "By any standard, this collaborative effort between the Oregon Department of Forestry, Bend Fire and Rescue, BLM and our homeowners has been hugely successful." A fire prevention makeover on the scale that Rimrock West achieved requires funding as well as hard work. During their consultation, Otto and Ward encouraged the association to apply for Firewise Community status and a National Fire Plan $5,000 matching grant. The association will receive the grant at its annual meeting in March. Like most central Oregonians, the residents of Rimrock West didn't need a lecture on the threat posed by wildfire. Every year the association and many property owners had worked to reduce fuel loads by raking up pine needles and clearing dead brush. But in the high-fire environment east of the Cascades, these actions weren't enough. In seeking assistance from the fire agencies, the community brought to bear expertise in wildland and structural fire prevention that substantially lowered the fire risk to lives and property. Because a portion of the fuel-reduction work was slated for community commons land along the Deschutes River, a designated scenic waterway, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department was asked to review the plans. To minimize impact to the stream, volunteers did all of the brush removal work by hand. "This project was a remarkable effort by the residents of Rimrock West," Otto said. "They took the advice we gave to the association's Fuels and Fire committee and went after it. These folks are real go-getters." More information on Firewise and how to become a Firewise Community can be obtained from Kristin Babbs, ODF, 503-945-7444, kbabbs at odf.state.or.us, and the Firewise website, www.firewise.org/Communities.aspx. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Fri Feb 24 10:16:05 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:16:05 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Emergency Fire Cost Committee to meet March 6 in Salem Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60208C2EBE4@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY - NEWS RELEASE Emergency Fire Cost Committee to meet March 6 in Salem For immediate release Major media distribution February 23, 2012 Contact: Rod Nichols, 503-945-7425, rnichols at odf.state.or.us The Emergency Fire Cost Committee (EFCC) will take up various business matters related to the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund when it meets on March 6 in Salem. The Board of Forestry-appointed panel manages the fund, which pays firefighting costs for large wildfires that occur on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. The committee will receive a report on the financial status of the fund, and also review terms of an insurance policy for the 2012 wildfire season. Oregon annually purchases catastrophic loss coverage to safeguard the state's general fund in the event of a severe season. Also on the EFCC's agenda is a discussion of proposed changes to Oregon's wildfire protection funding system recommended by an advisory group to the department. The Fire Protection Funding Committee recently concluded deliberations on ways to reduce the frequency of large, damaging fires and better fund wildfire protection. The meeting will be held in the Santiam Room - Building D, at Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, 2600 State St. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. It is open to the public, and public comment will be received. State statute requires that the EFCC consist of forest landowners or representatives of forest landowners from each of the three forest regions of the state. In addition, a fourth member represents the interests of small woodland owners. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Mon Feb 27 07:59:57 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Mon, 27 Feb 2012 07:59:57 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Fire funding, conservation areas on Forestry Board 3-7 agenda Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60208C2ED50@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY - News Release Wildfire funding, conservation areas on Forestry Board March 7 agenda For immediate release Major media distribution February 24, 2012 Contact: Rod Nichols, 503-945-7425, rnichols at odf.state.or.us Dan Postrel, 503-945-7420, dpostrel at odf.state.or.us Wildfire protection, management of state-owned forests, and prospects for broadening state-federal cooperation in restoring federal forestlands are among topics the Oregon Board of Forestry will take up at its March 7 meeting. The meeting, in Salem, is open to the public. Among the highlights of the board's agenda: Restoration and collaboration on federal forests - Regional Forester Kent Connaughton, the top U.S. Forest Service official in the Northwest, will brief the board on recently funded restoration and collaboration projects on eastern Oregon forestlands, and will join the board in considering potential strategies for further state-federal cooperation. Fire protection funding challenges and opportunities - The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will report on the work of an advisory committee that has developed ideas and concepts to: * reduce the number of large wildfires on forestland protected by ODF * address the challenge of lower productivity lands bearing some of the highest fire protection costs The results of the committee's work will shape development of concepts that the board will consider for introduction during the 2013 session of the Oregon Legislature. Forest health - human health initiative - Catherine Mater of the Pinchot Institute will give a presentation on an innovative program in northwestern Oregon to use carbon offset payments from family forestlands to fund the healthcare needs of forestland owners, their families and local communities. "Instead of developing, selling or harvesting their forestland, the Forest Health-Human Health Initiative will provide family forest owners the option to implement sustainable forest management practices to generate carbon offsets," Mater said. "The revenue from carbon offset sales will be banked to cover health care expenses." Exploring conservation areas on state-owned forests - ODF staff will present an analysis of conservation area definitions and associated areas located on the state forests. They will also describe potential opportunities to make these areas more visible, permanent and durable, should the board choose to pursue that option. Improving state forest performance measures - ODF staff will update the board on the effort to revise the measures used to evaluate management of the state forests. The board currently has nine measures covering the social, economic and environmental benefits to be provided on state-owned forests. Integrated water resources strategy - The Oregon Water Resources Commission and Department will present an interagency strategy that recommends actions to meet future Oregon's water needs. The commission is seeking endorsement of the water strategy, written in response to a 2009 state law, from other state boards and commissions. Meeting time and location The board meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters in the Tillamook Room - Building C, 2600 State St., in Salem. Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services or assistance can be arranged calling the department's Public Affairs Office at least 48 hours before the meeting, 503-945-7200, text telephone 503-945-7213. More information on the Board of Forestry can be found at: www.oregonforestry.gov. Background information on the March 7 meeting, including staff reports, will be available soon through the 2012 "Meeting Schedules" link on the website. Public comment The meeting is open to the public. During a general comment period at the beginning, public comment will be received on forestry-related items that are not included in the agenda. Time will also be provided for comment on specific agenda items as the board takes them up. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Mon Feb 27 12:26:18 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:26:18 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Butte Creek Falls Trailhead and Campground closed Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60208C2EE4D@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY - News Release Butte Creek Falls Trailhead and Campground closed during forestry operations that begin the first week in March FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Distribution: Major Media February 27, 2012 Contact: Shannon Loffelmacher, 503-859-4336 12-09 Russ Lane, 503-859-4325 The Butte Creek Falls Trailhead and Butte Creek Campground area will close the first week of March to provide for public safety during an upcoming timber harvest in the area. Gates will be installed on Crooked Finger 400 Road on either side of the trailhead and campground. The popular local visitor area, 12 miles southeast of Silverton, lies within the Santiam State Forest. The closure is expected to extend until the Memorial Day week-end. "The safety of visitors to our forest is always our highest priority," said Shannon Loffelmacher, Oregon Department of Forestry Unit Forester. "With forest management activities occurring in proximity to the Butte Creek area, this short-term, temporary closure is needed to best ensure that safety." Butte Creek Campground is already closed for the season, and planned to re-open for the Memorial Day week-end, so the closure should have no impact on normal campground access or operations. "The Santiam State Forest and other surrounding public lands offer a variety of hiking trails that may be seasonally-accessible alternatives to the Butte Creek Falls Trail," said Loffelmacher, "including nearly six miles of non-motorized trails in the state forest's Shellburg Falls Recreation Area." The Santiam State Forest is actively managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry's North Cascade District to provide a variety of economic, environmental, and social benefits. The Crooked Finger 400 Timber Sale, a planned thinning of 2 million board feet, will provide approximately $376,000 in revenues to schools and local taxing districts in Marion County where the sale is located. More information on the Santiam State Forest can be found on the district's website at: www.oregon.gov/odf/northcascade . ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: