ODF eyes shift in C. Oregon District boundary
The Oregon Department of Forestry said Thursday it is considering shifting the current Central Oregon District Boundary in Jefferson County near Lake Billy Chinook.
The agency said district managers have coordinated with partner agencies to review the existing boundary and developed the proposed boundary location based on risk of wildfire and existing fuel factors.
“Relocation of the existing boundary will reduce the area of the current protection boundary and will match up with landowners who are paying for wildfire protection through the Forest Patrol Assessment process,” the announcement said, noting that much of the area being removed from the protection district is in agricultural production.
Affected landowners will have the opportunity to talk with Central Oregon District personnel regarding the proposed location of the boundary on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at Lake Chinook Fire and Rescue, 11700 SW Graham Road in Culver.
ODF said the boundary shift is intended to better align wildfire protection where vegetation, fire history and existing infrastructure pose a threat to forestland.
The agency said it will continue to provide mutual aid resources to its partners, including Lake Chinook Rural Fire Protection District, Crooked River Ranch, Jefferson County Rural Fire District No. 1, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service.
A public hearing to consider testimony regarding the boundary change will be held at 1 p.m on Monday, March 19 at Redmond City Hall, 411 SW 9th Street in Redmond. The testimony will be reviewed prior to final changes being presented to the Oregon Board of Forestry for adoption.
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, 541-447-5658.
You can view the map at full-size at the ODF Central Oregon District blog.
Questions regarding the meeting can be directed to Gordon Foster, Prineville-Sisters Unit Forester, 541-447-5658.
