Forest Health Problems in Blue Mountains on Forestry Board

Photo by: Bonnie King

(SALEM) - Forest health problems in the Blue Mountains, managing wildfire risk in the forestland-urban interface, forestry education for urban residents, and indicators to gauge forest sustainability are among the items on the Oregon Board of Forestry's agenda when it meets Wednesday, Sept. 6th, in Salem.

The meeting will begin at 8:00 AM in the Tillamook Room in Building C at Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, 2600 State St. The public is invited.

Department fire program staff will ask the board to accept the recommendations of an advisory committee for strengthening standards for maintenance of vacant lots under the Oregon Forestland-Urban Interface Fire Protection Act. The act was passed in 1997 to address the growing threat of wildfire in communities at the urban fringe.

The department will give a status report on outreach to Oregon's urban population. This will include a forum on forest education activities that ODF and other organizations currently offer, and discussion of additional opportunities.

The board will also receive updates on other activities related to urban outreach, including increases in ODF's program that helps cities, volunteer groups and others manage the trees in urban and suburban areas.

A committee appointed by the board in 2005 to recommend ways of measuring progress toward Oregon's sustainable forestry goals will present highlights of its report and take questions from board members.

The advisory committee has identified a set of indicators of sustainable forest management that could be used to gauge progress of strategies and actions contained in the Forestry Program for Oregon, the board's strategic plan.

At the Sept. 6th meeting, the board will also receive presentations on implementation of a revised smoke management plan and on revisions to forest water protection rules.

Shortly after 8:00 AM, public comments will be received on forestry-related items not included in the agenda. Members of the public wishing to comment on a specific agenda item will have opportunity to address the board during the time the item is scheduled.

More information on the Board of Forestry can be found on the web, www.oregon.gov/ODF/BOARD/.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services or assistance can be arranged by calling the Oregon Department of Forestry Agency Affairs Office at least 48 hours before the meeting - (503) 945-7200, text telephone (503) 945-7213 (in Salem). Cordless listening devices will be available to anyone with impaired hearing. They may be obtained at the sign-in table in the Tillamook Room.