New Rule Regulating Wildlife Food Plots, Sept. 3

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry has completed the rulemaking process for wildlife food plots and has made the new rule language available online. Landowners interested in establishing a wildlife food plot as an alternative management option on a portion of their ownership can view the new rules here: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Working/Pages/FPA.aspx Under the Oregon Forest Practices Act, wildlife food plot establishment may occur on a small percent of forestland ownership that would be otherwise subject to the reforestation rules. Landowners need to maintain appropriate vegetation and manage food plots to provide nutrition to the intended species. Wildlife species include deer or elk, birds, and even pollinating insects. Maximum food plot sizes on eligible ownerships range from a quarter acre to 50 acres. Wildlife food plots originated in the 2015 Oregon Legislative Session and enacted as ORS 527.678 in 2016. As required by the statute, ODF developed rule language for implementation. Input from the Committee for Family Forestlands, Tribal Resources Cluster, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Regional Forest Practices Committees, and interested public was incorporated throughout the rulemaking process. In July 2020, the Board of Forestry approved and finalized the rule language for wildlife food plots. This rule language is effective September 1, 2020. Forest landowners that wish to learn more or are interested in establishing a wildlife food plot on their property are encouraged to connect with their local Stewardship Forester https://www.oregon.gov/odf/working/Pages/findaforester.aspx