ODF Clarifies Property Owner Obligations to Appeal State Wildfire Hazard Maps
Those who own property in Oregon may still file their intent to appeal designations made by recently released wildfire hazard maps. The Oregon Department of Forestry said appeal forms must be received by March 10th to reserve a place in line for future appeal hearings. A full case does not need to be developed to file the appeal form. Updated maps were issued January 7th and notifications were mailed to owners of properties designated as "high hazard" and within the wildland-urban interface. The updated maps and mailing initiated a 60-day period to file an intent to appeal. Governor Tina Kotek announced last week that state forestry officials are to hold on referring any appeals to the Office of Administrative Hearings until after the current legislative session. This will allow the Legislature to deliberate potential changes to wildfire hazard map policy. If there is no change in law this session, ODF will resume the appeals process after the session concludes at the end of June. Those who wish to appeal must file their form by March 10th to preserve their ability to appeal the designations. The statewide wildfire hazard and wildland-urban interface maps are available on Oregon State University's Wildfire Risk Explorer website. ...Read more

Oregon Ranked #2 in the Nation for Number of Firewise USA Community Sites
With 298 Firewise USA sites in good standing across the United States, Oregon is again ranked #2 in the nation for the number of locations. In 2024, Oregon added 32 new sites to create more fire-adapted communities. The state is also honored to share the first Firewise USA site in the country that is located in two states, along the Oregon-California border in Lake County. Along with being #2 as a state last year, Oregon was also home to the #4 and #5 counties with the most sites in the nation: Deschutes County with 78 sites and Jackson County with 74. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the dedication of community members and those that led the charge. Firewise USA is a program that helps guide communities in the process of protecting their homes and neighborhoods from wildfire. The program is run by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and co-sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters and US Forest Service. Starting the journey to become a Firewise USA site is as easy as calling your local ODF office. ...Read more

Applications Being Accepted for Position on Local Bikeways and Walkways Committee
Applications are being accepted for one position on the Grants Pass & Josephine County Bikeways & Walkways Committee due to a vacancy. This term expires on November 2nd of this year. The purpose of this committee is to seek input from the community, coordinate and disseminate information for public education about biking and walking routes, and serve as public resource and advisory group regarding bike and pedestrian trails for the City of Grants Pass and Josephine County. Applications for this position must be city residents. The special qualification is any person who represents the interests of bikers and walkers. Applications are available at the City Administration Office at 101 NW A Street or online at "grantspassoregon.gov/committee-application." Completed applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 7th. ...Read more