Emergency Fire Cost Committee meets Sept. 8 to discuss forest land fund

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- The Emergency Fire Cost Committee will meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters in Salem. The meeting will be open to the public in person and virtually via Microsoft Teams.

The committee oversees the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund, which was created by the Oregon Legislature. The fund finances fiscal year budgets for forest protection districts, supports investments in fire prevention, detection and suppression resources and provides loans to the Oregon Department of Forestry or forest protection associations for wildfire costs.

The meeting agenda includes a financial status update for the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund and the ending balance for Fiscal Year 2026. Committee members will also hear a weather update, discuss an administrative rule framework and receive reports from the administrator, the Agency and Business Services Division and the Protection Division.

In-person attendance will be held in the Tillamook Room in Building C at the Department of Forestry complex. Virtual access is available through Microsoft Teams using conference information listed on the meeting agenda. Public comments will be accepted near the end of the meeting.

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities, as well as special materials or assistance, must be arranged at least 48 hours before the meeting. Requests can be made by calling 503-881-8292 or emailing lorna.m.hobbs@odf.oregon.gov.