Deschutes County Forestland Classification Committee Meeting

[Sisters, Ore.]  The Deschutes County Forestland Classification Committee will meet April 30, 2018 at 9 a.m. at the Oregon Department of Forestry office in Sisters, Oregon.  Agenda items include an update on the Central Oregon District Boundary relocation process, review and edit of the preliminary forestland classification, and developing a timeline and process for public information meetings/public hearing for adoption of the final classification.  The meeting is open to any interested landowners and the public.

“Forestland classification” is the process used to determine lands inside a forest protection boundary which meet the definition of forestland (ORS 526.005(a)).  The process further delineates these “forestlands” into lands suitable for timber production or grazing/agricultural use.  Land use zoning and taxation are not used to determine forestland classification for this process.  Forestland inside the protection boundary is provided wildfire protection by the Oregon Department of Forestry through a Forest Patrol Assessment on landowner’s property tax statements.  For more information regarding forestland classification in ODF’s Central Oregon District visit www.odfcentraloregon.com.

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to Gordon Foster at the Oregon Department of Forestry office in Prineville (541) 447-5658.

Committee Members:

Ed Keith, Deschutes County Forester—Committee Chair

Gordon Foster, Oregon Department of Forestry—Secretary

Jeremy Ast, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department (OSFM)

Nicole Strong, OSU Extension Forester

Bill Swarts, Timber Representative

Matt Cyrus, Grazing Representative

2017 Central Oregon District Annual Report

The 2017 Central Oregon District Annual Report was presented to the District Budget Committee on April 6th during the annual budget meeting. 

This year's report includes highlights from the challenging fire season, work under the Good Neighbor Authority, and the work Stewardship Foresters are doing with private landowners in the District.

Also included in the report are some of the ways the District is working to improve efficiency and finding innovative ways to face the ever-changing demands of forestry and wildfire suppression. 

The District's commitment to safety was emphasized in 2017 by reconvening the District Safety Committee. Led by personnel from around the District the committee focused on engaging all employees, working to improve the "Safety Culture" and overall wellness of everyone.

As you read through the report you will notice that our personnel are our biggest asset.  This is emphasized by the number and length of "Service Awards" and the various leadership roles employees took on to improve service to landowners and support co-workers.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

         

          Pursuant to ORS 477.250, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held to receive from any interested persons suggestions, advice, objections or remonstrance’s to the proposed budget for the Central Oregon Forest Protection District.  A hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at 9:00 A.M., at the Oregon Department of Forestry – District Office, 3501 NE 3^rd Street, Prineville, OR. Copies of the tentative budget may be inspected during normal working hours.  To ensure the broadest range of services to individuals with disabilities, persons with disabilities requiring special arrangements should contact 541-447-5658 at least two working days in advance.

                                                            OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY

                                                            PETER DAUGHERTY, STATE FORESTER