Public Comments Sought on Santiam State Forest Post Fire Restoration Plan, Dec. 25

Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry has extended the public comment period for initial Santiam State Forest post-fire restoration plans until 5 p.m. January 4, 2021. With the required 30-day comment period set to end on December 23, this extension allows additional time for the public to review the draft plan, which addresses topics such as reforestation, salvage harvesting, public safety, and recreation. About 24,700 acres of the Santiam State Forest were in the footprints of the 2020 Beachie Creek, Lionshead and Riverside fires, and over 16,000 acres were damaged. The restoration plan aims to re-establish a healthy, productive forest that provides the economic, environmental and social benefits required by law on state forests. An outline of the strategies and activities planned to accomplish that goal are outlined in the draft revised implementation plan for the ODF North Cascade District, which houses the Santiam State Forest. This revised plan would replace the current Implementation Plan for this district, and extends through June 30, 2023. The plan and other information—including a recording of a Dec. 8, 2020 virtual public forum on the restoration plans—is available on ODF’s website. Comments can be submitted online by using this form, by emailing ODF.SFComments@oregon.gov, or by mailing comments to ODF Public Affairs, 2600 State St., Salem OR 97310.