From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Wed May 2 12:49:22 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Wed, 2 May 2012 12:49:22 -0700 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Wildfire Awareness Week is May 6-12 Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60B4246D6AE@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> The Keep Oregon Green Association and the Oregon Dept. of Forestry issued this news release today. Wildfire Awareness Week is May 6-12 For more information contact: Tom Fields, Oregon Dept. of Forestry, 503-983-8897, or Mary Ellen Holly, Keep Oregon Green Association, 503-559-7011 Have you done enough to protect your home from wildfire? That's the question being posed to Oregonians as the region prepares for Wildfire Awareness Week May 6-12. In a unified proclamation, governors from Oregon, Idaho, Nevada and California have joined to encourage homeowners to begin thinking about the approaching fire season by promoting defensible space to protect lives, homes, and property from wildfires. Keep Oregon Green Association, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office, forest protective associations, and federal wildfire agencies are taking this opportunity to promote defensible space around homes before fire strikes this summer. "It's all about life safety, forest health and home preservation," says Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Prevention Coordinator Tom Fields. "Reducing the risk increases the chances of homes surviving a wildfire while also creating a safer place for firefighters to work." To reduce the risk, fire officials suggest removing dead vegetation a minimum of 30 feet around homes. In most cases, trees and healthy plants do not need to be removed. However, trees should be pruned and grass kept short and green to keep fire on the ground and more manageable by fire crews. Information about fire resistant landscaping can be obtained at local nurseries or OSU Extension agents. The roof is the most critical part of the house when it comes to wildfire protection. Embers can collect and ignite on the roof, in gutters, and unscreened openings around the house. Non combustible roofing material is preferred. But regardless of the construction, keep roofs, gutters and eaves clear of all leaves, pine needles and other flammable debris. "Structure fires are also a risk factor in starting wildfires," says State Fire Marshal Mark Wallace. "Last year, 29 structure fires developed into wildfires on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands. This is just another reason to build and maintain defensible space around your homes." Homeowners should also keep access in mind for large fire trucks. Long driveways should be at least 12 feet wide, have 10 feet of vegetation clearance from the center line out, and about 14 feet overhead. Large vehicle turnaround areas are also critical for your safety as well as firefighters. It is the homeowners' responsibility to protect their homes by building defensible space. For more information, visit Keep Oregon Green's website at www.keeporegongreen.org or call your nearest Oregon Department of Forestry or forest protective association office. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Wed May 2 13:37:36 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Wed, 2 May 2012 13:37:36 -0700 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Annual Urban Forestry Conference to explore restoration of community natural areas Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60B4246D6CD@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Oregon Department of Forestry - NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Major Media Distribution May 1, 2012 Contact: Paul D. Ries 503.945.7391 Cynthia Orlando 503-945-7421 Urban Forestry Conference to explore restoration, enhancement of community natural areas "Go the distance" is often the forgotten second message whispered in the 1989 film "Field of Dreams." Today, in communities all over Oregon, tracts of land are being purchased, donated, and protected not for baseball diamonds, but to offset development and to provide habitat, ecosystem services, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Can a community with limited resources actually maintain and enhance the conservation values of the land, trees, and forests over time? What tools and assistance are available to help professionals and citizens protect and manage these valuable community assets into the future? These questions and others will be explored at the 10th annual Oregon Urban & Community Forestry Conference, 8:00 - 3:00, Thursday June 7 at Portland's World Forestry Center. Conference theme and keynote speaker "Community Natural Areas: Restoration, Enhancement and Management" is the theme of this year's conference, and Dr. Doug Tallamy, researcher and author of "Bringing Nature Home," is its keynote speaker. Professor and chair of the University of Delaware's Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, Tallamy will discuss the important ecological roles of the plants in our landscapes, emphasize the benefits of designing landscapes with these roles in mind, and explore the consequences of failing to do so. Other topics to be addressed by a variety of conference speakers include the prioritization of resources for conservation, forest management in Portland's natural areas, stream restoration and the use of native plants, and managing urban forests from a non-profit perspective. The annual state urban forestry award recipients will be announced during the noon-hour. Continuing education, exhibit opportunities The conference location is the World Forestry Center's Miller Hall, and continuing education credits for Oregon registered landscape architects, ISA certified arborists, and SAF certified foresters will be available. Conference organizers are seeking vendors with products or services related to urban forestry for vendor tables at the event. For more information, contact Rob Crouch: 503.823.4443 or Robert.Crouch at portlandoregon.gov More information For more information and to register: http://oucf2012.eventbrite.com 503.874.8263. # # # -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Fri May 4 07:01:26 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 07:01:26 -0700 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] OFRI unveils go-to forest website for Oregonians Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60B4246D925@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> This news release is forwarded at the request of the Oregon Forest Resources Institute. ****************************************************************************************** NEWS RELEASE May 2, 2012 For immediate release Contact: Dave Kvamme - 971-673-2948 OFRI unveils go-to forest website for Oregonians PORTLAND, Ore. - A new website will enrich Oregonians' experience of their forests. Produced and hosted by the Oregon Forest Resources Institute, OregonForests.org is a hub and jumping-off point for forest information, resources and activities. Campers, hikers and others looking for outdoor recreation and education will find it useful, as will students wanting objective information about the state's most abundant natural resource. Interactive features offer visitors the chance to discover more about Oregon forest ownership, history, management, tree types and more. The launch culminates a two-year project to replace OFRI's previous website, said Paul Barnum, OFRI executive director. "The new site does a terrific job of delivering information to the public about Oregon's forests, forest management and wood products, while also giving them information they can use to experience and learn about forests firsthand," Barnum said. OFRI designed the website to make it more relevant and accessible, especially for younger people and those with little knowledge about Oregon's forests. In addition to accessing outdoor recreation information, site visitors can download publications, watch videos, research forest management techniques and legal protections, learn about wood products, and get career and economic information. Curious minds can use the "Ask a Forester" feature to get answers from the experts. There's even a blog, written by OFRI staff and guest columnists. "We believe the theme of the site, 'Where Amazing Grows,' relates better to young people and those who rely on the Internet as their primary source of information," Barnum said. OregonForests.org is one of three new websites created by OFRI to meet the changing information needs of Oregon's public, K-12 teachers and forest landowners. OFRI is simultaneously launching LearnForests.org for K-12 teachers and forestry educators. Barnum said that teachers should find the dedicated website particularly helpful as it correlates the state's standards and benchmarks for science and social science with natural resource education programs and products offered statewide. Later this year, the institute will introduce a new site for forest landowners, KnowYourForest.org, in collaboration with the Partnership for Forestry Education. OFRI was created in 1991 by the Oregon Legislature to improve public understanding of the state's forest resources and encourage environmentally sound forest management through landowner education. It is governed by a 13-member board of directors and is funded by a dedicated tax on timber harvest. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Fri May 4 08:36:38 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 08:36:38 -0700 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] OWEB strategy and public meetings Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60B4246D947@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> This information is provided as a service to private forest landowners at the request of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. Kevin Weeks Oregon Department of Forestry **************************************************************** The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) is developing a Long-Term Investment Strategy on how the agency conducts grants for land and water acquisitions. This will be a multi-year framework for implementing OWEB's Mission and Strategic Plan Goals to achieve priority ecological, community, and economic outcomes. Find out more about the strategy - what it is, and how to get involved: http://www.oregon.gov/OWEB/roadmap_to_investment_strategy.shtml If you have questions about the Strategy contact -- Lauri Aunan, 503-986-0047 or email: lauri.g.aunan at oweb.state.or.us The Long-Term Investment Strategy will identify how the Board desires to structure its investment portfolio to achieve its priorities and identified outcomes to be pursued over time through two year Spending Plans. OWEB will be holding several listening sessions throughout Oregon. The objectives of the meetings are to: * Provide information about OWEB's plans for developing a Long-Term Investment Strategy, and a brief history of OWEB's programs over time; * Review OWEB's Mission and Strategic Plan Goals; and * Begin a dialogue with OWEB's partners, grantees and the public about their priorities, to ensure the Board is aware of these priorities and considers them as the Board develops the Long-Term Investment Strategy. Monday, May 7; 3-5 pm AND 6:30-8:30 pm Baker City Sunridge Inn, Sun/Blue Room 1 Sunridge Lane Tuesday, May 8; 3-5 pm AND 6:30-8:30 pm John Day Grant County Regional Airport 720 Airport Road Wednesday, May 9; 3-5 pm AND 6:30-8:30 pm Bend Bend Metro Park and Rec. Riverbend Community Room 799 SW Columbia Street Thursday, May 10; 3-5 pm AND 6:30-8:30 pm Pacific City Kiwanda Community Center 34600 Cape Kiwanda Drive Thursday, May 31; 3-5 pm AND 6:30-8:30 pm Salem Broadway Commons Grant Room 555 Gaines Street NE Monday, June 4; 3-5 pm AND 6:30-8:30 pm Grants Pass Josephine County Fairgrounds Floral Building 1451 Fairgrounds Road # # # -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Thu May 10 07:05:03 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 07:05:03 -0700 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] ODF opens public comment period on Elkton Reserve LLC Safe Harbor Agreement Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60B4246DF74@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY REQUEST FOR COMMENTS PROPOSED STEWARDSHIP AGREEMENT FOR ELKTON RESERVE LLC PROPERTY DOUGLAS COUNTY, OREGON Published in the Roseburg News-Review PUBLISHING DATE: May 10, 2012 COMMENTS DUE: May 31, 2012 by 5:00 p.m. PROJECT LOCATION: 2.5 miles SE of Elkton, Oregon PROPOSAL: Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 527.423, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is proposing to adopt a Stewardship Agreement for the Elkton Reserve LLC forest property. The Stewardship Agreement shall serve as Certificate of Inclusion in the Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement for Northern Spotted Owl habitat. HIGHLIGHTS: This Stewardship Agreement is intended to permit Elkton Reserve LLC to operate three land tracts totaling 273 acres (approx. 265 acres in forest) under habitat conservation goals identified in the landowner's forest management plan. This Stewardship Agreement provides the opportunity for the landowner to participate in the Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement for Northern Spotted Owl habitat authorized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Approval of the Agreement further allows the landowner to participate in the NRCS Healthy Forests Reserve Program. ODF agrees to audit forest operations conducted by the landowners for compliance with Oregon Forest Practices Act standards every three years. HOW TO COMMENT: The project file may be reviewed by appointment at ODF's Western Lane District office. To schedule an appointment to review the file, please contact: Oregon Department of Forestry, Western Lane District 87950 Territorial Highway Veneta, Oregon 97487 (541) 935-2283 Written comments on the proposal should be received by May 31, 2012 and sent to Paul Clements, ODF Western Lane District at the address provided above. THE NEXT STEP: ODF will consider all public comments received within the public comment period before making a final decision regarding approval of the draft Stewardship Agreement. /s/ Peter Daugherty, Chief of ODF Private Forests Division Salem, Oregon Additional information - including the draft agreement - is available on the ODF web site at: http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/AGENCY_AFFAIRS/elktonreservesha.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 Tue May 15 07:45:44 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 07:45:44 -0700 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Public comment on state forest plans extended through June 1 Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60B425EAE51@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> The Oregon Dept. of Forestry issued this news release today. Public comment on state forest plans extended through June 1 For immediate release Major media distribution May 14, 2012 Contact: Rod Nichols, 503-945-7425, rnichols at odf.state.or.us The deadline for the public to submit comments on draft annual operations plans to guide management of the state-owned forests has been extended through Friday, June 1, 2012, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) announced today. Opened on April 9, the public comment period is for draft plans in the Astoria, Tillamook, Forest Grove, Western Lane, Coos, Southwest Oregon and Klamath-Lake districts. The annual operations plans identify and describe specific projects pertinent to the economic, environmental and social aspects of managing state lands, such as timber sales, road maintenance, stream enhancement and trail building. Hard copies of the draft annual operations plans are available for review at each of the above listed ODF offices and ODF headquarters in Salem (See office locations below). They are also posted to the ODF website: www.oregon.gov/ODF/STATE_FORESTS/2013_AOP_Draft.shtml Comments and questions on the plans may be sent to ODF in any of the following ways: * Through the web link * Email to: sfaoplans at odf.state.or.us * Fax to: 503-945-7212, Attn: Rod Nichols * Postal mail to: Rod Nichols/Public Affairs, Oregon Dept. of Forestry, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310. Originally scheduled to run through May 21, the public comment period was extended through June 1 due to a technical problem with the email system set up to receive the comments. Copies of the draft annual operations plans can be viewed at these ODF offices: ODF headquarters - Bldg. D lobby Astoria District 2600 State St. 92219 Highway 202 Salem, OR 97310 Astoria, OR 97103 Western Lane District Forest Grove District 87950 Territorial Highway 801 Gales Creek Rd. Veneta, OR 97487 Forest Grove, OR 97116 Tillamook District Coos District 5005 Third St. 63612 Fifth Rd. Tillamook, OR 97141 Coos Bay, OR 97420 Southwest Oregon District Klamath-Lake District 5286 Table Rock Rd. 3200 DeLap Rd. Central Point, OR 97502 Klamath Falls, OR 97601 ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Tue May 15 07:53:14 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 07:53:14 -0700 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Public invited to attend Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee Meeting May 24 Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60B425EAE52@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Oregon Dept. of Forestry - NEWS RELEASE For immediate release May 14, 2012 News Contact: Cynthia Orlando 503-945-7421 Public invited to attend Forest Stewardship Committee Thursday, May 24 Oregon's Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee meets next Thursday, May 24, 2012 from 10:00 to 3:00 at the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) headquarters in Salem, 2600 State Street (Operations Building D - Santiam meeting room). The committee - consisting of representatives from state and federal natural resources agencies, private forest landowners, consulting foresters, forest industry and conservation organizations - advises the State Forester on policies and procedures for the U.S. Forest Service's State and Private Forestry program, including its "Forest Legacy" and "Forest Stewardship" programs. The proposed meeting agenda includes: applications received for the Community Forest & Open Space Conservation program, The Forest Legacy Program, Oregon's "Uniform Resource Planning System," and Oregon Community Trees (Oregon's Urban & Community Forest Council). "The wide array of forestry topics tackled by the Stewardship Coordinating committee, comprised of members from so many different forestry agencies, businesses and backgrounds, always makes for interesting discussions and quality decision making," said Peter Daugherty, Private Forests Division Chief. 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 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. # # # -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From cynthia.a.orlando at state.or.us Tue May 15 10:07:41 2012 From: cynthia.a.orlando at state.or.us (ORLANDO Cynthia A) Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 10:07:41 -0700 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Public invited to attend May 24 Forest Stewardship Committee meeting Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60B425EAEBD@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> The Oregon Dept. of Forestry issued this news brief yesterday. For immediate release May 14, 2012 News Contact: Cynthia Orlando 503-945-7421 Public invited to attend Forest Stewardship Committee Thursday, May 24 Oregon's Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee meets next Thursday, May 24, 2012 from 10:00 to 3:00 at the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) headquarters in Salem, 2600 State Street (Operations Building D - Santiam meeting room). The committee - consisting of representatives from state and federal natural resources agencies, private forest landowners, consulting foresters, forest industry and conservation organizations - advises the State Forester on policies and procedures for the U.S. Forest Service's State and Private Forestry program, including its "Forest Legacy" and "Forest Stewardship" programs. The proposed meeting agenda includes: applications received for the Community Forest & Open Space Conservation program, The Forest Legacy Program, Oregon's "Uniform Resource Planning System," and Oregon Community Trees (Oregon's Urban & Community Forest Council). "The wide array of forestry topics tackled by the Stewardship Coordinating committee, comprised of members from so many different forestry agencies, businesses and backgrounds, always makes for interesting discussions and quality decision making," said Peter Daugherty, Private Forests Division Chief. 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 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. # # # Cynthia Orlando Oregon Department of Forestry Agency Affairs & Urban Forestry programs ph# 503.945.7421 fax# 503.945.7212 The mission of Oregon's Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program is to help Oregonians improve their quality of life by promoting community investment in our urban forests. "The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now." - Anonymous http://www.childrenandnature.org/ Follow us on Twitter -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Wed May 23 09:04:31 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Wed, 23 May 2012 09:04:31 -0700 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] ODF opens public comment period on Hayco LLC draft stewardship agreement Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60B425EBA1B@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY REQUEST FOR COMMENTS - May 23, 2012 PROPOSED STEWARDSHIP AGREEMENT FOR HAYCO LLC PROPERTY WASHINGTON COUNTY, OREGON YAMHILL COUNTY, OREGON COMMENTS DUE: June 13, 2012 by 5:00 p.m. PROJECT LOCATION(S): near Manning, T2N R4W Section 9, near Mount Richmond T1S R4W Section 31 and near Timber, T3N R5W Section 16. PROPOSAL: Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 527.423, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is proposing to adopt a Stewardship Agreement for the Hayco LLC / Hyla Woods Manning, Mount Richmond and Timber forest properties. The Stewardship Agreement shall serve as Certificate of Inclusion in the Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement for Northern Spotted Owl habitat. This Stewardship Agreement is intended to permit Hayco LLC to operate the Hyla Woods 100-acre forest near Manning, the Hyla Woods 550-acre forest near Mount Richmond and the Hyla Woods 173-acre forest near Timber under habitat conservation goals identified in the landowner's forest management plan. This Stewardship Agreement provides the opportunity for the landowner to participate in the Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement for Northern Spotted Owl habitat authorized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). ODF agrees to audit forest operations conducted by the landowner for compliance with Oregon Forest Practices Act standards every three years. HOW TO COMMENT: Written comments on the proposal should be received by June 13, 2012 at the following address: Paul Clements Oregon Department of Forestry, Western Lane District 87950 Territorial Highway Veneta, Oregon 97487 pclements at odf.state.or.us The project file may be reviewed by appointment at the ODF Forest Grove District office, 801 Gales Creek Road. To schedule an appointment to review the file, please contact ODF Public Affairs Office at (503) 945-7427. Members of the public are invited to review the draft agreement on-line at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/AGENCY_AFFAIRS/hylawoods2012sha.shtml THE NEXT STEP: ODF will consider all public comments received within the public comment period before making a final decision regarding approval of the draft Stewardship Agreement. /s/ Peter Daugherty, ODF Private Forests Division chief Salem, Oregon # # # 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 May 24 08:53:52 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Thu, 24 May 2012 08:53:52 -0700 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] ODF and the Legislative Emergency Board Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60B4264A689@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> TO: Oregon Department of Forestry staff, May 24, 2012 Good morning. I wanted to share a quick update about some action by the Legislature's Emergency Board yesterday that gives us important flexibility in reaching our budget reduction goals for the current biennium, and is good news for the agency. You may recall that last February, in order to keep the state budget in balance, the Legislature made a $28 million statewide reduction and gave agencies specific direction about how to implement those savings, including reducing managers and reducing spending in public affairs and related contracting. In the months since then, agencies have identified very specific reduction plans to meet those targets. Yesterday, the Emergency Board met to review state agency reduction plans and make several adjustments. In our case, the Emergency Board agreed to retain two wildland fire supervisors and two unit foresters-positions that had been proposed for elimination-and directed us to work with stakeholders and legislative staff on finding other ways of achieving an equivalent reduction. We'll follow the direction from yesterday, and return in September to the Emergency Board with reduction options. In accordance with yesterday's direction, if we can't identify enough savings-through vacancies and other measures-without compromising our core missions in Fire Protection and Private Forests, then legislative staff will recommend that the withdrawn funds be restored. The Emergency Board did, however, accept other parts of the reduction plan, including a permanent reduction of a vacant but much-needed position in our Public Affairs program. All in all, yesterday's action allows us to move into fire season with crucial, on-the-ground resources in place. Some significant points: * Although the $28 million in reductions are permanent in almost all cases across state government, the Emergency Board specified that the funds associated with the fire supervisors and unit foresters would again be part of our budget for the next biennium. * We've been given increased flexibility to look broadly for ways to reduce spending that keep our most critical capacities intact. In the broader state budget context, it's important to remember that we are still in challenging times, and that we must look for all opportunities to save-from the expenditures we make every day to our fundamental organizational structure. But yesterday's action does provide flexibility and some additional time to meet the Legislature's savings goals. It was clear from legislators' comments during yesterday's meeting that our role is seen as vital, and that we are proceeding responsibly in carrying out our mission with reduced resources. That is a reflection of some very diligent work done by our stakeholders in making our case-and of the value of your work in communities across the state. For that, as always, I thank you. We'll continue to update you as this process moves along. With best wishes for a safe and restful holiday weekend, ____________________________________________ Doug Decker, Oregon State Forester Director, Oregon Department of Forestry Office: 503-945-7211 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 Thu May 24 14:18:25 2012 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Thu, 24 May 2012 14:18:25 -0700 Subject: [ODF_Private_Forests] Forestry Board to meet June 6 in Salem Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B60B4264A7AE@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> The Oregon Dept. of Forestry issued this news release today. Forestry Board to meet June 6 in Salem For immediate release Major media distribution May 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 Budgets for local wildfire protection will top the agenda when the Oregon Board of Forestry meets on June 6 in Salem. Agenda highlights include: Forest protection district budgets - Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) staff will present proposed budgets for the fiscal year beginning July 1 for the board to consider for approval. Local forest protection associations develop the budgets in collaboration with the ODF district offices. The budgets fund basic wildfire prevention and suppression services provided by the districts on the 16 million acres of private and public forestlands protected by the department. Landowners and the state share these protection costs. Final orders on Forest Patrol Assessment appeals - The board will announce final orders for several landowners who requested a board hearing over the addition of their lands to the Forest Patrol Assessment rolls. Landowners who own forestland within Oregon's forest protection districts pay an assessment that helps fund wildfire protection on their lands. Land uses may change over time, and county classification committees examine the properties within their boundaries periodically to keep pace with those changes. As a result of these reclassification efforts, some lands may be removed from the assessment rolls while others are added. Institute for Natural Resources review follow-up ODF staff will discuss the results of meetings held this winter with the Institute for Natural Resources Science Advisory Team and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to discuss and clarify points made in the team's January 2011 scientific review requested by the Board of Forestry. The review examined the analysis considered for evaluating state forest management plan alternatives. 2013-15 ODF budget development The board will receive an update on the planning and development of the next department biennial budget. The final-draft request budget will be presented to the board for consideration and approval at its July 27 meeting. Public comment The meeting is open to the public. During a general comment period at about 8:30 a.m., 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. Meeting time and location The board meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Tillamook Room - Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters office, 2600 State St., in Salem. More information More information on the Board of Forestry can be found at: www.oregonforestry.gov. Background information on the June 6 meeting, including staff reports, is available through the 2012 "Meeting Schedules" link on the website. Special needs Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services or assistance can be arranged by calling the department's Public Affairs Office at least 48 hours before the meeting, 503-945-7200, text telephone 503-945-7213. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: