The state Board of Forestry will honor the recipients of its Forest Practices Operator of the Year award and receive updates on key topics, including work to obtain insurance to help cover costs of fighting large wildfires, at its March 4 meeting in Salem. The agenda also includes proposed adoption of an approach for considering the predicted effects of climate change in the work of the board and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). The meeting is open to the public. AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS: 2014 Forest Practices Operator of the Year awards. This program recognizes forestry contractors for exceptional skill and commitment, often above and beyond legal requirements, in protecting natural resources during harvest or other projects. The awards also promote public understanding of the Forest Practices Act, its administration, and its effectiveness protecting natural resources. Awards are given in each of ODF’s operating regions–Northwest, Southwest and Eastern Oregon. Rellergert Forestry Education awards. The board will recognize individuals and organizations for excellence in forestry education with the Mary Rellergert Forestry Education Award, named for an ODF forest educator who died in 2004. The annual State Forester’s Award for exceptional contributions to the cause of forestry education will also be presented. Emergency Fire Cost Committee, fire protection updates. The committee and the department will report on efforts to renew Oregon’s unique large-fire insurance policy for the 2015 wildfire season. Oregon used its full coverage during the severe 2013 and 2014 fire seasons, and work with insurance underwriters continues to develop coverage options for the 2015 season. The state and forest landowners have historically shared the cost of the policy. The Emergency Fire Cost Committee, appointed by the board, oversees a fund that consists of landowner dollars, collected through per-acre assessments and other mechanisms, to help pay the costs of fighting large fires. Climate change adaptation recommendations. Climate change presents risks to Oregon’s forest ecosystems. ODF staff have developed an overall approach for addressing adapting forest management and policy in an era of changing climate. Recommendations include considering the best available climate science in board work, and incorporating the implications of climate change as the department plans and implements its fire, natural resource protection and other activities. Updates. The board will receive updates on several key projects and initiatives, including: – The work of a board subcommittee and department staff in crafting a new plan for managing state-owned forests in Northwestern Oregon. – A second board subcommittee’s work in helping to increase the pace and scale of restoration projects on federally owned forestlands. Executive session. After completing its regular agenda, the board will meet in executive session to consult with legal counsel on topics related to state-owned forests. The session will be closed to the public, in accordance with Oregon Revised Statute 192.660(2)(h). MEETING DETAILS: – The meeting will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Tillamook Room, Administration Building (C), at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, 2600 State St., in Salem. – A general public comment period is scheduled near the start of the meeting. Public comment on specific agenda items will be received as the board takes them up. – Agenda materials will be available prior to the meeting at: www.oregon.gov/odf/Pages/board/index.aspx, under the 2015 meeting link. – Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services or assistance can be arranged by calling the department’s Public Affairs Office at least 48 hours in advance, at (503) 945-7200. ABOUT THE BOARD: The Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include appointing the state forester, setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30 million-acre forestland base. More information on the board is available at www.oregonforestry.gov.
