From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Tue Jan 3 14:30:13 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Tue, 3 Jan 2012 14:30:13 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Forestry Board to hold exec. session Jan. 4 Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60201D555BF@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Oregon Dept. of Forestry issued this news media advisory today. WHAT - The Oregon Board of Forestry will hold an executive session for the purpose of consultation with legal counsel. The board holds such sessions from time to time to discuss various ongoing legal cases. By law, no decisions are to be made in an executive session. The session is closed to the public, but members of the news media may attend, under provisions of ORS 192.660. WHO - The members of the Oregon Board of Forestry. WHEN - The Wednesday, Jan. 4, executive session is scheduled to begin at 3:45 p.m. and conclude by 4:15 p.m. It will be held immediately following the board's regular public business meeting. WHERE - The executive session will be held in the Tillamook Room, Building C, Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, 2600 State St., in Salem. MORE INFO - More information about the Board of Forestry can be found on the board's website: www.oregonforestry.gov. News contact: Rod Nichols, Oregon Dept. of Forestry, rnichols at odf.state.or.us, 503-945-7425. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Tue Jan 3 16:05:15 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Tue, 3 Jan 2012 16:05:15 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Forestry Board exec session - Note schedule change Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60201D5560D@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> OREGON BOARD OF FORESTRY - PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE - UPDATE PLEASE NOTE: The Board of Forestry executive session scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 4, will be held earlier that day than was announced previously. It will be held at 12:30 p.m. The executive session will be held during the lunch break of the board's regular public business meeting, in the Tillamook Room - Building C, Oregon Dept. of Forestry headquarters, 2600 State St., in Salem. ### Oregon Dept. of Forestry issued this news media advisory today. WHAT - The Oregon Board of Forestry will hold an executive session for the purpose of consultation with legal counsel. The board holds such sessions from time to time to discuss various ongoing legal cases. By law, no decisions are to be made in an executive session. The session is closed to the public, but members of the news media may attend, under provisions of ORS 192.660. WHO - The members of the Oregon Board of Forestry. WHERE - The executive session will be held in the Tillamook Room, Building C, Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, 2600 State St., in Salem. MORE INFO - More information about the Board of Forestry can be found on the board's website: www.oregonforestry.gov. News contact: Rod Nichols, Oregon Dept. of Forestry, rnichols at odf.state.or.us, 503-945-7425. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Fri Jan 6 09:14:25 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Fri, 6 Jan 2012 09:14:25 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Committee for Family Forestlands meets January 18 in Salem Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60201DC7962@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Oregon Department of Forestry - NEWS RELEASE Committee for Family Forestlands meets January 18 in Salem January 6, 2012 Contact: Kevin Weeks (503) 945-7427 The Committee for Family Forestlands is scheduled to meet at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday January 18, 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 the January 2012 Board of Forestry meeting, program updates and a proposed panel workshop of invited guests to discuss ecosystem issues in eastern Oregon forests. 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 Thu Jan 12 09:43:37 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:43:37 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Forestry Board workshop to focus on planning processes In-Reply-To: <8CD18C5BD70D6F4BB2B636295905299C022506814D@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> References: <8CD18C5BD70D6F4BB2B636295905299C022506814D@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60201DC8089@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY - News Release Forestry Board workshop to focus on planning processes Contact: Dan Postrel, dpostrel at odf.state.or.us 503-393-6163 The Oregon Board of Forestry will discuss ideas for refinement and simplification of its planning processes at a Jan. 17 workshop in Salem. The session will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chemeketa Community College's Eola Viticulture Center, 215 Doaks Ferry Road NW. Board members and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) staff will work through topics that include the board's work plans and two-year planning cycle, and the links among work plans, agency business and longer-term strategic thinking. The meeting is open to the public. However, no policy or business decisions are planned, and the workshop format does not include a public comment period. The board consists of seven citizens nominated by the governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Board functions include appointing the state forester, providing broad oversight of ODF, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on state and private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon's 30 million-acre forestland base. More information on the Board of Forestry can be found at: www.oregonforestry.gov. Agenda materials for the Jan. 17 meeting are available through the 2012 "Meeting Schedules" link on the website. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Thu Jan 12 10:55:54 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:55:54 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Update on Hiring and Spending Freeze at ODF Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60201C4C0BD@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> From: DECKER Doug S Subject: Update on Hiring and Spending Freeze at ODF Hello ? I?m writing to share some important news as state agencies continue to implement a hiring freeze and strict spending restrictions, all in response to state government?s very tight budget situation. As you may recall, the Governor, in consultation with legislative budget leaders, announced a freeze last month on filling vacancies, with an exception process to allow critical actions to go forward. On Wednesday, we learned from the Department of Administrative Services that the committee reviewing agencies? exception requests has approved a set of recruitments that are essential to our core mission. In particular, we have approval to proceed with recruitment of our force of seasonal firefighters, forest officers, dispatchers and lookouts. We will begin these recruitments next week, and will be on schedule to have these employees in place for the start of fire season. The committee also approved requests for several other critical recruitments, including the District Forester positions in the Forest Grove and South Cascade districts. These positions became vacant following the promotions of Andy White to Northwest Oregon Area Director and Lena Tucker to Deputy Chief of the Private Forests Division. A strategic and judicious approach to seeking exceptions to the hiring freeze. The news we received yesterday reflects a recognition of the immediate and vital nature of recruitments related to our fire protection mission. The bar is very high. Exceptions are intended only for a limited number of positions statewide that meet specific criteria. Our Executive Team will continue to evaluate vacancies, staffing needs, and priorities across the agency before determining how to proceed with the exception process. Continued review of expenditures in every area. As I mentioned in my last message, the Governor also announced a set of spending restrictions last month. These align with internal restrictions that we have had in place for some time, as we seek every opportunity to achieve savings without compromising safety or our core mission. The Executive Team recently revised our spending restrictions. Watch for a link to the updated document later today on the ODFnet home page. We have asked managers to analyze spending in every area, including equipment purchases, contracting, travel and more. We are developing some creative solutions as we seek new ways to accomplish our work. For instance, we will save more than $11,000 by forgoing participation in an interagency fire prevention conference at the coast in February, but are considering a smaller workshop on this important topic here in Salem. A closing note. The savings from the hiring freeze and spending restrictions are intended to provide the Governor and the legislature with the greatest possible flexibility in balancing the budget in the current biennium, during which revenue has fallen short of projections. This is a vital task, and the budget will be the central topic during the February legislative session. Even in these challenging times, I continue to hear positive feedback from legislators, stakeholders and others about the value that your work provides. As I?ve noted before, our reputation and credibility are valuable assets. We protect and enhance them by setting priorities wisely, and by making the most of the resources available to us. We don?t know at this stage whether the current statewide hiring and spending measures will remain in place beyond the February session. In any case, our continued attention to cost-savings is essential. I much appreciate your focus on our mission during these uncertain times, and know that many others do, as well. I?ll continue to update you as we move ahead. Best, 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 Thu Jan 19 18:13:41 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:13:41 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Storms and trees: evaluate, and proceed with caution Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60201E2DBFF@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Oregon Dept. of Forestry issued this news release today. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? Major media distribution January 19, 2012 Contact: Paul D. Ries 503.945.7391 Cynthia Orlando 503.945.7421 Storms and trees: evaluate, and proceed with caution The heavy rains that have descended upon the Pacific Northwest this week are taking a toll on landscape trees. In some cases, homeowners will want to wait until the storm has passed to evaluate the damage and decide how to proceed. In other cases, however, saturated soil can lead to root problems, causing trees to topple over. Ideally, trees should be inspected on a regular basis, especially before and after storms. Conditions that can set your tree up to be particularly vulnerable include recent construction that has taken place near your tree, as well as trees that have been severely cut back, or ?topped.? Trees with a significant lean may or may not indicate a problem; check for exposed roots around the base of your tree, especially if it has recently started to lean. Also look for hollow or decayed areas on the tree, which can indicate structural problems, and watch for any hanging or broken branches that are still lodged in the tree. Some storm-damaged trees worth saving Arborists usually advise homeowners and community leaders to exercise caution when dealing with a storm?s aftermath. That?s because there are two common mistakes people make when trying to clean up after a storm. The first is using harmful pruning techniques on trees that need only a light pruning; the second is trying to save trees that are far too damaged, and are likely to become hazardous. "Often after a storm passes through, people become anxious to have their trees examined so they can prune or take other actions,? says Paul Ries, an urban forester with the Oregon Department of Forestry. ?However, it?s often the case that more trees become damaged as a result of improper post-storm activities, than were damaged directly by a storm. If we get increased winds after all this rain has saturated the soils, you?ll start to see a larger number of uprooted trees.? Common mistakes Pruning a tree incorrectly can weaken it, setting it up for big problems. Topping - the practice of removing large branches and tops of trees - creates trees that are likely to be hazardous in the future. That's because a topped tree is much more likely to break or uproot in a storm than a tree with normal branch structure. The opposite problem ? ignoring or pruning a tree that should be removed ? is another post-storm mistake. What to do after a severe storm Taking the right action after trees have been damaged can make the difference between giving trees a good chance of survival, or losing them unnecessarily. Properly selecting a qualified arborist is key. "Homeowners should use caution when selecting a tree service company,? said Ries, who manages the state's urban and community forestry program. Ries recommends using an arborist whose name and company are familiar to your community ? even if that means waiting longer for service. "Be careful not to overreact or you may end up removing valuable shade trees that are still sound, and take years to replace," adds Ries. Other tips ? Beware of people or companies that show up at your door; their low prices may ultimately cost you more money in the long run. ? Most reputable companies have business cards, truck signs, and even uniforms that represent a professional level of service; ? Ask for references, and take your time selecting a reputable company. ? Hire a Certified Arborist ? someone who has passed the International Society of Arboriculture certification exam. Consult your local yellow pages or visit www.pnwisa.org for a list of Certified Arborists. ?Arborists are often in great demand for several weeks following a storm,? adds Ries, ?so if your tree isn?t an immediate and visible hazard, it may be worth waiting a while.? For more information: Can these trees be saved? www.oregon.gov/ODF/URBAN_FORESTS/docs/Other_Publications/CanTheseTreesBeSaved.pdf Tree first aid after a storm www.oregon.gov/ODF/URBAN_FORESTS/docs/Other_Publications/TreeFirstAid.pdf Hazard tree prevention webpage www.pnwisa.org/preventing-your-trees-from-becoming-hazardous.html ~ ~ ~ # # # -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Thu Jan 26 14:13:32 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:13:32 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Oregon NRCS Funding for Wetland Protection and Habitat Improvement Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60201E2E45A@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> This message is forwarded on behalf of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Kevin Weeks Oregon Department of Forestry [cid:image002.jpg at 01CCDC34.AF3B2200] News Release United States Department of Agriculture * Natural Resources Conservation Service 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 900, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 900, Portland, OR 97204 www.or.nrcs.usda.gov Release No. 2012.01-002 CONTACT: Loren Unruh, State Programs Leader, (503) 414-3235, loren.unruh at or.usda.gov Sara Magenheimer, State Public Affairs Officer, (503) 414-3250, sara.magenheimer at or.usda.gov NRCS Funding Available for Wetland Protection and Habitat Improvement Projects in Oregon Proposals due on or before February 10, 2012 PORTLAND, Ore. (Jan. 23, 2012) - USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Oregon State Conservationist Ron Alvarado today announced a funding opportunity for wetland protection, restoration and enhancement activities on eligible lands in Oregon. Proposals for projects are due by Feb. 10, 2012. Funding comes through the agency's Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP), with up to $17 million available nationwide. "This is a great opportunity for Oregon stakeholders to carry out high-priority wetland protection and improve wildlife habitat," Alvarado said. "WREP is an important conservation tool for our Oregon partners and I encourage eligible organizations to apply." WREP is a voluntary conservation program that works through partnership agreements with states, nongovernmental organizations and tribes, as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. WREP is a component of the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) through which NRCS enters into agreements with eligible partners to leverage resources to carry out wetland protection and improve wildlife habitat. Benefits to partners in WREP agreements include: * Wetland Restoration in high-priority areas; * The ability to cost-share restoration or enhancement components beyond those required by NRCS; * Participating in management or monitoring of selected project locations; and * Opportunities to use innovative restoration methods and practices. Eligible partners may submit general WREP proposals for individual, watershed-wide or larger geographical area projects. WREP partners are required to contribute a financial or technical assistance fund match. Oregon NRCS will use a competitive process to evaluate the proposals. Recommended proposals will then be competed nationally for final selection and funding. To submit a proposal or receive information about General WREP, visit http://www.or.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrep/index.html or contact Loren Unruh, State Programs Leader, (503) 414-3235, loren.unruh at or.usda.gov. WREP proposals submitted by fax or through Grants.gov will not be accepted. For more information about NRCS and other programs, visit http://www.or.nrcs.usda.gov/. ### Originally established by Congress in 1935 as the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), NRCS has expanded to become a conservation leader for all natural resources, ensuring private lands are conserved, restored, and more resilient to environmental challenges. The NRCS works with landowners through conservation planning and assistance designed to benefit the soil, water, air, plants, and animals that result in productive lands and healthy ecosystems. ________________________________________________________________________ NRCS is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). Local contact information is located in the telephone book under the federal government listing or can be found online at: www.or.nrcs.usda.gov. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.png Type: image/png Size: 169 bytes Desc: image003.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: ~WRD306.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 823 bytes Desc: ~WRD306.jpg URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 482 bytes Desc: image002.jpg URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Thu Jan 26 14:36:15 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:36:15 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] WoodWorks Wood Solutions Fairs in Portland and Seattle, March 2012 Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60201E2E46A@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Announcing the WoodWorks Wood Solutions Fairs in Portland and Seattle, March 2012 Regionally sponsored by the Oregon Forest Resources Institute, BusinessOregon and the Washington Forest Protection Association. There is no cost to attend and complimentary lunch will be provided. ** March 13, 2012 ** Oregon Convention Center -- Portland, OR Register @ http://www.woodworks.org/educationTraining/california/newsEvents03151201.aspx ** March 15, 2012 ** Washington State Convention Center -- Seattle, WA Register @ http://www.woodworks.org/educationTraining/california/newsEvents03151202.aspx Wood Solutions Fairs are day-long educational events on the use of wood in non-residential and multi-family buildings. Combining topical seminars with a trade exposition, they pack an informational punch for architects, engineers, building owners, code officials and anyone else interested in wood's exciting design possibilities. **Seminars** Choose six seminars from the following options: * 2012 National Design Specification(r) for Wood Construction * The International Green Construction Code - Implications for Wood * Full-scale Shear Wall Test for Forced Transfer around Openings * Five-story Wood-frame Structure over Concrete Podium Slab * Panel Discussion: Five-story Wood Buildings in the Pacific Northwest * Changes to the IBC: Non-structural Provisions for Wood Design * Construction Details and On-site Considerations for Mid-rise Wood Buildings * Innovative Timber-based Systems for Schools * Architectural Case Studies: Wood Structure in Public Buildings * What Forest Certification Means to Your Next Building Project * Adventures in Engineering - Designing the Iconic Metropol Parasol * Designing the World's Tallest Mixed-use Wood Building: Unique Possibilities with Cross Laminated Timber * The Bullitt Center - Meeting the Living Building Challenge(tm) * Ensuring In-service Wood Performance - An Engineer's Perspective * Insulation Technologies and Installation Specifications for Better Energy Performance of Commercial Buildings * Integrating Life Cycle Inventory and Assessment into Design and Construction Practice * Efficient Use of Wood Framing in Retail Buildings * Sustainable Designs: Western Red Cedar * Architectural Casework * Preservative Treated Wood for Durable Construction * Architectural Woodwork Standards: Leveraging Your Specifications Earn 6 AIA/CES CEHs or PDH credits free at the WoodWorks event **Education Credits** WoodWorks is an approved AIA provider. Eligible attendees will qualify for a maximum of six AIA/CES (one per attended seminar). Engineers, non-member architects and others will receive a certificate of completion for their participation for a maximum of 6 PDH credits. Who Should Attend * Architects * Engineers - Structural and Civil * Contractors * Builders * Building Officials * Professors * Building Designers * Students * Specifiers Questions about the event? Email -- stacey at woodworks.org ### Information forwarded by: 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 Jan 30 09:34:02 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:34:02 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Regional Forest Practices Committees meet February 9 in Eugene Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60203360E11@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> OREGON DEPT. OF FORESTRY - News Release Regional Forest Practices Committees meet February 9 in Eugene January 30, 2012 Contact: Kevin Weeks, ODF Public Affairs (503) 945-7427 The NW Oregon and SW Oregon Regional Forest Practices Committees (RFPC) have announced a joint meeting of the two groups for February 9 in Eugene. Regional Forest Practices Committees are panels of citizens - mandated under Oregon law - that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. Three Regional Forest Practices Committees, serving the Northwest, Southwest and Eastern regions of the state, were created within the Oregon Forest Practices Act in 1971. Under Oregon law, a majority of Regional Forest Practices Committees members are private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies. The joint meeting of the Northwest/Southwest Oregon Regional Forest Practices Committees is scheduled for Thursday, February 9 at the Lane Community College -- Center for Meeting & Learning, 4000 East 30th Avenue in Eugene. The location on the LCC campus is Building 19, Second Floor in Room 220. The meeting is tentatively scheduled to run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with a public comment period scheduled near the start of the meeting. The agenda for the meeting is scheduled to include: * Reports on the Restoration Plan for the Private Forests Program, including updates on two components mandated by the Oregon Legislature -- establishment of a compliance audit program regarding Forest Practices Act standards, and establishing a program to review the effectiveness and efficiency of the Forest Practices Act. * Reports on the Board of Forestry's direction to begin an evaluation of riparian protection standards for small and medium fish-bearing streams, and the rulemaking process to implement 2011 House Bill 2165. * Updates from Private Forests Division staff on other current regulatory topics. Members of the public may attend 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. Oregon's forests are among one of the state's most valued resources, providing a balanced mix of environmental, economic and social benefits. Additional information about ODF's Regional Forest Practices Committees is available on the Oregon Department of Forestry's web site: www.oregon.gov/ODF/BOARD/RFPC/rfpc.shtml ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Mon Jan 30 12:29:16 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:29:16 -0800 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Douglas-fir tussock moth defoliation increases in the Blue Mountains Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60203360EAB@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> The Oregon Department of Forestry and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources issued this public announcement today- For Immediate Release January 30, 2012 Douglas-fir tussock moth defoliation increases in the Blue Mountains OLYMPIA - In the summer of 2011, forested areas with new defoliation caused by Douglas-fir tussock moths were detected in the Blue Mountains by the U.S. Forest Service, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). Through the agencies' aerial surveys, light defoliation was mapped across 9,000 acres of the Umatilla National Forest in Washington (7,800 acres) and Oregon (1,200 acres). Most of the defoliation occurred in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness Area but may spread and increase in severity in 2012. The damage was typically light, with the top third of the crown most heavily defoliated. Another tussock moth outbreak that affected 1,600 acres in eastern Spokane County in 2011 will likely collapse in 2012. In northern Idaho, approximately 68,000 acres with tussock moth defoliation were recorded in 2011. In parts of northern Idaho, the outbreak may spread and increase in severity in 2012. The damage primarily affects grand fir, subalpine fir, Douglas-fir, and some spruce. * Caterpillars feed on both new and old foliage. * Defoliation damage can reduce growth, cause top-kill, and may predispose some trees to attack by bark beetles. * Repeated defoliation is most damaging to trees. * It is important to remember that defoliated trees observed in the summer and fall are not necessarily dead. * If a tree is able to form buds that survive the winter, needles will develop in the spring. * Recreation can also be affected in areas with tussock moth present because the hairs found on caterpillars, cocoons, and egg masses are a skin irritant to many people. The last outbreak in the Blue Mountains occurred from 2000-2002. Outbreaks typically collapse within two to four years due to a buildup of natural enemies, such as a viral disease and parasites. To evaluate management options, DNR and ODF can assist forest and woodlot property owners in the affected areas who observe Douglas-fir tussock moth egg masses or tree damage. New defoliation damage becomes most noticeable in July and is often worst in the tops of trees. To report tussock moth damage or for more information, please contact your state's Forest Entomologist: Glenn Kohler (Washington DNR), 360-902-1342, glenn.kohler at dnr.wa.gov or Rob Flowers (ODF), 503-945-7396, rflowers at odf.state.or.us. To reduce potential tree damage in future outbreaks, susceptible stands can be thinned to favor non-host species and increase spacing between host trees that are retained. Because severely defoliated trees may recover, thinning and salvage is best done following the outbreak. This will also reduce worker's exposure to irritating caterpillar hairs. Early in the outbreak, the application of labeled insecticides on high-value stands can reduce tree damage and may prevent an outbreak's spread. Detailed information on how to recognize Douglas-fir tussock moth damage, maps and images are available at the DNR website: http://1.usa.gov/2z8nkG Media Contacts Washington: Janet Pearce, Community Outreach and Education, 360-902-1122, janet.pearce at dnr.wa.gov Glenn Kohler, Entomologist, Washington DNR, 360-902-1342, glenn.kohler at dnr.wa.gov Oregon: Rob Flowers, Entomologist, OR Department of Forestry, 503-945-7396, rflowers at odf.state.or.us Lia Spiegel, Entomologist, US Forest Service, 541-962-6574, lspiegel at fs.fed.us Paul Oester, Oregon State University Extension, 541-963-1061, paul.t.oester at oregonstate.edu # # # -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: