Oregon Board of Forestry, June 6

The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet in La Grande on June 6. The meeting is open to the public and a public comment period is on the agenda. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m., and go through approximately 2:45 p.m., with an Executive Session following and scheduled to end at approximately 3:45 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and a public comment period is on the agenda. The meeting will be held at Eastern Oregon University, 1 University Blvd., in La Grande. Agenda items include: Carbon Sequestration in Oregon’s forests; A review of the recent work concluded by the Oregon Global Warming Commission’s Forest Taskforce. The Department’s work with the USFS-PNW Research Station to quantify the amount of carbon sequestered in Oregon’s forests to support the DAS Carbon Policy Office following the 2018 Legislative Session. Smoke Management Program Permission for Rulemaking – The Smoke Management Program has completed its five-year review and has coordinated all recommended changes jointly with the Department of Environmental Quality. The Smoke Management Program is seeking permission from the Board to initiate rulemaking on recommended changes to OAR 629-048. Update on 2018 Fire Season Readiness and Forecast; Approval of the Forest Protection Districts 2018 Fiscal Budgets and Rates; Forest Trust Lands Advisory Committee testimony – FTLAC comments and information on state forests. 2019 – 21 Biennial Budget Development – Staff will present the agency’s proposed policy option packages for the 2019 – 21 biennium. Agency Initiative: 2019 – 2021 Agency Biennial Budget Request – Staff will present the final proposal of the agency initiative for Board consideration. Final consideration of the agency initiative for inclusion in the Agency Request Budget will occur at the July Board meeting. Eastern Oregon Wood Products Conference – Provide a preview of the next day’s conference and field tour. The goal of the conference and tour is to highlight the potential opportunities for rural investment and improved forest restoration economics resulting from the continued growth and development of mass timber markets. Audio recordings of each Board of Forestry meeting with minutes are posted upon completion of each meeting. Beginning with the June 6 meeting, livestream options will be available for those who wish to view remotely. Along with this content, other agenda materials are available at www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/BOFMeetings.aspx. 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.