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Home My WebLink About2012-11-26 Work Session Minutes Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, November 26, 2012 Page 1 of 6 Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org MINUTES OF WORK SESSION DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2012 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Anthony DeBone and Alan Unger; Commissioner Tammy Baney was out of the office. Also present were Tom Anderson, Interim County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; Chris Doty and George Kolb, Road Department; Ed Keith, County Forester; Sheriff Larry Blanton and Capt. Tim Edwards, Sheriff’s Office; Rob Poirier and Sara Crosswhite of 911; and five other citizens. Also present for a portion of the meeting was media representative Richard Coe of The Bulletin. Chair DeBone opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. ___________________________ 1. Consideration of Notice of Intent to Apply for Federal Project Funding – Fall Creek Bridge Replacement. George Kolb said the Forest Highway Program has ended; the new program requires a 10.2% match from the County. The County would like to replace the Fall Creek Bridge due to clearance issues and condition. The Federal Lands Access Program requires a new application as well, to continue this work. He has been working with the Forest Service on the project. The cost to the County would be about $117,000. 2. Forester Update (with representatives of the USFS, BLM, and the Oregon Department of Forestry). Ed Keith presented his guests: John Allen of the U.S. Forest Service; Carol Benkosky of the BLM, Prineville; and George Ponte and Kristin Cotugno of the Oregon Department of Forestry. ___________________________ Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, November 26, 2012 Page 2 of 6 John Allen gave an overview of some of the USFS projects now underway. They are working with the Redmond Air Center and Butler Aviation to have some of the runways and ramps repaved, but unfortunately some of this will occur during fire season. The Welcome Center on Century Drive should be open in the spring of 2014. ODOT has been a good partner in this effort. The Bend water project and Skyliners Road is subject to ongoing litigation against the City, so the outcome and timing are unknown at this time. Mt. Bachelor improvements being considered include a new quad lift. This will help to make the mountain even more desirable to visit. The Deschutes Market Road pedestrian bridge is being constructed at this time. Their budget is flat, but at least is not declining. They work closely with all the counties on EIS and other issues. Collaboration is key to solving a lot of problems. They have a number of electric vehicles in their fleet now, and are trying to get grants for charging stations at each of their facilities. They want to work with all government jurisdictions on sharing charging stations in the future. ___________________________ Carol Benkosky of the BLM said that some issues are coming up on a regular basis. A current issue is the increase in right of way fees that were based largely on census information. The latest rates were set at the height of the economy, so some people are shocked at the higher rates. Some have decided to shrink the size of the rights to lessen the cost. Thornburgh Resort and other developments are a part of this. (She referred to a map at this time.) They could have locked in the rate for up to thirty years, but chose not to do so at the time. The La Pine Land Conveyance Act is moving forward. Deschutes County has received information on the potential costs of a NEPA, land surveys and other requirements, so the conveyance can be processed. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, November 26, 2012 Page 3 of 6 Work on the Cline Buttes Recreation Area Plan is underway. Most of the trails have been completed, and will allow access to climbing areas and campgrounds. They are hosting a volunteer day on December 8 to complete some of the work. Hazardous fuels reduction around Eagle Crest means burning throughout the winter. Residents will be notified as appropriate, but some smoke will be unavoidable. The Badlands Wilderness Plan is moving forward. The Greater Sage Grouse RMP Amendment means there may be no-grazing alternatives to consider, which may concern some people. There have been some small seismic events perhaps related to the Newberry Geothermal demonstration project, but nothing is thought to be serious. Work to restore ponderosa pine forests is continuing, and some of this extends into the John Day basin. This effort may entail requiring a boating fee in that area to support the cost of dumpsters and protection of the Wild and Scenic River designation. They are hoping to put together a Resource Advisory Council, with citizen involvement, to help decide how to address forest issues and fees. ___________________________ George Ponte and Kristin Cotugno provided a handout on the Wildfire Protection Act, which relates to private and non-federal forest lands. Property owners pay for half of initial attack, plus the protection fund for large fire costs that affect the State. There is a special purpose appropriation from the general fund to cover the cost of severity resources (such as air tankers and helicopters). The WPA adjusts funding to address some serious issues faced by private forest land owners. Acute in this region are low productivity lands and some of the highest costs. Severity of the fire season has greatly increased in recent years. The Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund dollars from the State general fund has increased every year beyond the landowner amounts. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, November 26, 2012 Page 4 of 6 Changes would allow for additional statewide resources to cover personnel and equipment costs. The Department may also be able to allow a break to landowners in the rates they pay. Over time, the general fund and the protection fund will share in the costs dollar for dollar, but this would be phased in over five years. There is a lot of support for the Wildfire Protection Act overall. He is hoping the additional general fund amount is included in the Governor’s budget. Regarding forest lands classification, a committee is looking at all the lands in the County to figure out which should be classified in different categories. The County would appoint three members to this group. The controversy will mostly be over lands in the urban-forest interface areas. He would anticipate that in the spring they would request information on the classification committee. Ed Keith added that it affects Deschutes County classification district boundaries. Some areas have never been classified. The ODF also has responsibilities regarding protection of these lands. Discussion occurred regarding smoke detection units. Most are located northeast of Sisters at this time. They are advocating for active forest management, and want to start on the various efforts early in the year. 3. Other Items. The Board went into Executive Session, under ORS 192.660(2)(d), Labor Negotiations. No action was taken. ___________________________ Mr. Kropp said the Board received a USDA ballot in mail, asking the Board to vote for someone to represent the County on the County FSA (Farm Service Agency) Committee. Nolan Jacobs is the only candidate. The Commissioners was not familiar with Mr. Jacobs. Mr. Kropp said the Sheriff’s Office received a small grant of $3,000 from Trans Canada Corporation, to purchase radio charging banks for emergency services. They already got the check but Board approval is needed. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, November 26, 2012 Page 5 of 6 UNGER: Move approval of this grant. DEBONE: Second. VOTE: UNGER: Yes. DEBONE: Chair votes yes. ___________________________ The Juvenile Justice facilities study needs to be addressed right away. They don’t want to cause problems for the Sheriff being able to access the current facilities. This item will be the subject of the December 17 Board work session. ___________________________ Chair DeBone stated he is attending a Redmond Police Department seminar this week where they will discuss policing strategies for certain neighborhoods and trailer parks. The City of La Pine has a trailer park that is a problem and he hopes this seminar will provide useful information. ___________________________ Commissioner Unger said he is attending a collaborative forests coalition meeting much of this week. Decisions need to be made on how to cover areas that the USFS can’t. ___________________________ Tom Anderson said he would be meeting with the Road Department regarding Skyliners Road improvement issues. ___________________________ In regard to dog licensing fees, Mr. Kropp explained that the County subsidizes this program for health and safety reasons for about $110,000 a year. Eric King of the City of Bend wants the cost of licensing to reflect the true cost of providing animal control services. Theoretically, this will mean licensing fees will be higher for those dog owners living within the City. The City assumes there are about 80,000 dogs within the City limits, although this number seems to be very high. The City is looking to this program to generate more revenue. It will also be confusing to citizens to have City staff issue licenses while the County handles the other areas. Compliance is not that good as it is, even though licensing is required by law. Being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m. DATED this {1~ Dayof ~ 2012 for the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. Anthony DeBone, Chair Alan Unger, Vice Chair -~-~'td Tammy Baney, Commissioner ATTEST: ~~ Recording Secretary Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Monday, November 26,2012 Page 6 of6 Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall S1., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 -Fax (541) 385-3202 -www.deschutes.org WORK SESSION AGENDA DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 1:30 P.M., MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26,2012 1. Consideration of Notice of Intent to Apply for Federal Project Funding Fall Creek Bridge Replacement -Chris Doty & George Kolb 2. Forester Update (with representatives of the USFS, BLM, and Oregon Department of Forestry) -Ed Keith 3. Other Items Executive Session, under ORS 192.660(2)( d), Labor Negotiations PLEASE NOTE: At any time during this meeting. an executive session could be called to address issues relating to ORS 192.660(2) (e), real property negotiations; ORS 192.660(2) (h), litigation; ORS I 92.66O(2)(d), labor negotiations; or ORS 192.660(2) (b), personnel issues. Meeting dates. times and discussion items are subject to change. All meetings are conducted in the Board ofCommissioners' meeting rooms at 1300 NW Wall St .. Bend, unless otherwise indicated. Ifyou have questions regarding a meeting. please call 388-6572. Deschutes County meeting locations are wheelchair accessible. Deschutes County provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. For deaf, hearing impaired or speech disabled, dial 7-1-1 to access the state transfer relay service fOT nY. Please call (541) 388-6571 regarding alternative fonnats or for further infonnation. I .... Q) .0 E ~~ 00 ZN >-..0 tON "'0 C o ~ ~ I I -I I1_[ I --.1 I I 1I : I I I I \ I I I I 1 I I I I I I I ! I I -1 -I I I I I I I I )1 ! 1"--II I I I I I II1 [ I ,I I I I 1-+ I . I I I I U -1'--1 I I I I I I I I I I 2013 OREGON FEDERAL LANDS ACCESS PROGRAM NOTICE OF INTENT TO SUBMIT A PROJECT PROPOSAL .------ -Agency(ies) with Project Name: Route Namel Number: Federal Land(s) Accessed: Replacement of Fall Creek Bridge FH Route 46; Local Route 4107 High Cascade Lakes and associated wilderness areas IUS Forest Service Title to Project: ------'"-----..,r------------------~~---.----------~..~~~..~.-- Agency(ies) with Deschutes County Road Department Maintenance Responsibility: Problem Statement: This bridge is located on the Cascade Lake Highway. This highway is a major tourist attraction in the summer months as it provides access to all the High Cascade Lakes and also several access points to the Three Sisters Wilderness area. It has several Scenic Designations; National Forest Scenic Byway established in 1989, Oregon State Scenic Byway established in 1997 and National Scenic Byway established in 1998. This route is heavily used by tour buses and motor homes. There is also an aggregate source (Deschutes Bridge Pit) located at the intersection of Forest Highway 40 and Cascade Lakes Highway. Temporary repairs were made to the bridge in October 2012 to alleviate the load rating issues but these repairs are only considered temporary until a new bridge can be constructed at this location. There are still clearance issues « 3 foot) on the bridge that can cause debris to collect at the bents which can damage the existing bridge and cause a maintenance problem for the County. The sufficiency rating on the bridge is 47.1 Proposed Work: The bridge can be replaced with a single span precast, prestressed concrete slab structure. Based on the Sufficiency Rating, the bridge should be replaced by year 2017. Because of low clearance issues on the existing bridge, the road grade will have to be raised to accommodate the new bridge and also provide vertical clearance to alleviate debris issues. ! 1I Primary visitor destinations: IHigh Cascade Lake and wilderness areas I ------- 1 ~ i f ·f t J ------------------------- _____ ___ _____ ________ __ High use Federal recreation sites and/or Federal economic generators (as determined by Federal Land Management Agency): 1 a j I 1 I I 1 I I I ----------~-----~--------Cascade Lakes Highway is a heavily used route relied upon by hikers, cyclists, boaters, anglers, motorcycle and automobile clubs and campers to access the high Cascade lakes and wilderness areas. Several resorts at Elk Lake, Lava Lake, Cultus Lake, and Crane Prairie Reservoir are accessed by this route; these premier fishing lakes, along with the upper Deschutes River, are key reasons for Deschutes County's identification in the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's 2008 report as the highest non-coastal fisheries in the State, bringing thousands of dollars yearly into our local economy. Cascade Lakes Highway also provides access to 17 trailheads serving the Central Oregon Cascades and over 30 campgrounds and day-use sites around the lakes and reservoirs and along the upper Deschutes River; it is also the access route for numerous privately owned recreational homes on leased National Forest land around Elk Lake. This road is heavily used by tourist traffic coming to Central Oregon; the capacity of many of the local attractions and their parking areas is exceeded during the summer months on long holiday weekends. Many travelers stay over in Bend to explore the lakes and wilderness available on and near this road, thus bringing much needed income into the local economy. Portions of this road are also used as a race course for the Cascade Cycling Classic held in Bend every summer. This is a professional bicycle race that draws competitors from all over the United States and Europe. It is also highly used by recreational cyclists, as well as by various triathlons and relay running events. The Cascade Lakes Highway is an important log haul route and is used as well by construction traffic that utilizes the Deschutes Bridge aggregate source. Reduced load capacity on this bridge would result in costly detours jeopardizing the economic feasibility of timber sales and federally funded construction projects. Project Termini i Mile Posts t-B_e--"g<....in----jL,-2_6_.5_2__ Latitude _-t-4_4_01_4_8_.3_2__.___t-l_2_1~44_1_8_.1_7 Longitude ___ , --1 Project 1oJ I (location) ~ I~ ~~ I .-.J.l-L' -'--_~_____---'._.. ._~.l..-'(miles) I l 1 I j Estimated Total Project Costs $ 1,141,504 ._._-~.-----. $ 1,024,269 Lands Access Program Required Local Match !$ 117,235 Funds Requested from Federal From: Deschutes County ._---_._--_.._. Other Funding Contributions to Project: 1$ From: Federal Land Agency with Title or Agency(ies): Maintenance Deschutes County Road Responsibility: Dept. Point of Point of Contact: Contact: George Kolb, PE Title: Title: County Engineer ---~~.~---~~----~-~~ E-mail: E-mail: George.Kolb@deschutes.org Telephone: Telephone: 541-322-7113 Provide a good quality map clearly showing the project location and project termini. Email the completed Notice of Intent fonn with map by December 14,2012 to: WFL.CallForProjects@dot.gov. Fall Creek Bridge Replacement ., 2013 Oregon Federal Lands Access Program SPARXSLAXB Fall Creek Bridge I 1,000 Project Location I 2,000 I 3,000 I 4,000 Feet Print: November 14,2012 Legend ) ( Bridge I Milepost County Road Stream Lake • John Anderson, GIS Analyst Phone : (54!) 322-7102 Email: john.anderson@:deschutes.org Address : 61150 SE 27th St OR 97702 Road Department The information on this map was derived from dgml databases on Deschutes County's G.I.S. Care was taken in the creation of this map, but it is provided "as is". Deschutes County cannot accept any responsibility fOl' errOl'S, omissions, or positional accuracy in the dg~al data or the underlying records . There are no warranties, express 01' implied, includng the warranty of merchantability 01' fflness for a particular purpose, accompanying this prcxilct. However, notiftcation of any errOl'S will be appreciated. P:lArcGIS_ProjectsIBridgesIFall Creek Bridge Replacement Oregon Department of Transportation Highway Division Bridge Operations Section Local Agency Bridge Photos Bridge No. 18666 Deschutes County Date: October 2005 Approach Viewing West Elevation Viewing North A Anderson Engineering & Surveying, Inc. p.o. Box 28 P.O. Box 419 17681 Hwy 395 852 SW 15'" Street uz Lakeview, Oregon 97630 Redmond, Oregon 97756 ------------------------------------------- Deschutes County Project/Activity Briefing Prineville BLM November 2012 Right-of-Way Fees Many residents with Rights-of-Way through the Prineville District are just becoming aware of rate increases that were established at the national level. These increases are particularly noticeable in Deschutes County. Although the rates changed in 2008 and notices were mailed out to right-of-way holders, applicants on a 5-year billing cycle are just getting their bills. For many people, seeing a bill that is 5 times more than expected is shocking. La Pine Land Conveyance The current proposal for lands to transfer to the city of la Pine has been approved by Congress and BlM is working with Deschutes County and the City of la Pine to move forward. BlM has participated in a public information meeting, and has presented Deschutes County with the projected cost for completing required NEPA, land surveys and other requirements to process the land conveyance. Cline Buttes BlM continues to work on implementing the Cline Buttes Recreation Area Plan. Activities include recreation site development and hazardous fuels reduction. Some of the recent accomplishments include: • Completing most of the trails in the Central Motorized Trail Use Area (center portion of Cline Buttes). This area provides opportunities for Class I, II, III off-road vehicle riding and was even featured in 4-Wheeler Magazine's Ultimate Adventure this year. • Adding a parking area for approximately 16 horse trailers and 25 single vehicles, and installing a restroom in the Maston Trail Use Area, which provides designated separate opportunities for biking and horseback riding, with pedestrian users able to take advantage of both sets of trails. Members of the Central Oregon Trail Alliance, the City of Redmond and the Oregon Equestrian Trails Association have worked with the BlM to create a great set of trails. local suppliers were used for materials including Cement Products Manufacturing, Empire Stone, 7x lumber Co., Cline Buttes Rock Pit, Joe Floyd and Sons, and Wild Wood Works. • Working with Heart of Oregon youth to add parking barriers, signs, remove old fencing, move fencing, clean up trash and improve the Cline Buttes Recreation Area. Volunteer Day at Maston Dec. 8, 2012. Volunteers will be doing a variety of work to finish the new Maston Trailhead including trail construction, fence building, planting, and installation of benches and signs. Partners include Oregon Equestrian Trails, the Central Oregon Trail Alliance. Hazardous Fuels Reduction BlM fuels specialists have been working to complete the first phase of hazardous fuels reduction around the Eagle Crest Area. Most of the thinning work has been completed, and BlM is working to burn the piles and other debris. BlM has finished burning 175 acres of handpiles out of the 415 acres. and plan to continue working when the area gets more moisture to ensure fire doesn't spread beyond the piles. As conditions allow, specialists will be burning piles on both sides of Highway 97 and Highway 31. Piles are also located within La Pine State Park and near several developments including, Huntington Meadows, Antelope Meadows, Old Howard Estates, Roan Park, Split Rail, and the La Pine Industrial Park. The piles are concentrations of leftover hazardous fuels associated with a project that reduced the potential for severe wildfire, increased firefighter and public safety, and promoted ecosystem health within the greater La Pine area. Oregon Badlands Wilderness Plan Congress designated the Oregon Badlands Wilderness in 2009 . The designation requires a wilderness management plan, which will provides guidance for preserving and enhancing wilderness values while offering opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. Concerns or issues included travel management (amount and placement of trails), access (group size, types of use) and grazing (retiring pastures, location of guzzlers). The scoping period for initial public involvement closed in April. A draft Wilderness Management Plan is currently being prepared and is expected to be available for public comment this December. Greater Sage-grouse RMP amendment In April 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) determined that the greater sage-grouse warrants the protection of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), but that listing the species was precluded by the need to address other, higher-priority species first. One reason for the FWS identification of the greater sage-grouse as a species to protect was an identified need for more adequate and consistent regulatory mechanisms to ensure species conservation. In Oregon, BLM has the opportunity to fully consider long-term sage-grouse conservation and habitat restoration guidance contained in the Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Assessment and Strategy for Oregon published by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. To date, an Interdisciplinary Team (lOT) has been formed, a contractor hired and the Resource Management Plan (RMP) process has begun . As of May 2012, the initial public scoping period to identify issues that should be addressed closed and comments have been provided to the contractor. The contractor and Interdisciplinary Team continue to work on developing the draft, which may be available for review as early as September 2013. Newberry Geothermal On April 5, 2012, the BLM approved a demonstration project to evaluate the potential for producing energy through the use of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) technology. As of October 31. 2012, AltaRock had both pumps running at full capability and has well pressure up to 1800 psi. The company has recorded successful hydro-shearing (documented through seismic events) and increased permeability; meaning the creation of a reservoir has started. The company has provided satellite imagery that shows the twenty seismic events that the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) has located below their well. The company has also started injecting diverter material to start a second stimulation zone. Tumalo Ponderosa Pine/Juniper Thinning Project Prineville District is proposing the Tumalo Ponderosa Pine Restoration Project to restore the ponderosa pine forest, juniper woodland and shrub-steppe plant communities in this 800-acre block of land three miles west of Tumalo to a more historically representative condition . A secondary purpose is to work toward resolution of long-term recreation and access needs. The area has high recreational interest, particularly in the equestrian community, as it not only provides many miles of trails (most user-created) on BLM-administered lands, but it also serves as a connector to the Deschutes Collaborative Forest (Deschutes National Forest). The EA is expected to be out for public comment next February. John Day River Fee Proposal (outside of area , but users come from Deschutes County) In 2011, the BLM began to consider implementing Boater Special Recreation Permit Fees as a means of providing additional maintenance such as dumpsters, increased funding to protect and enhance the outstanding remarkable values of the Wild and Scenic River recreation and fish/habit values through monitoring, cleanup and safety. The current proposal is for a per person/per launch overnight Boater Special Recreation Permit Fee , implemented in the 2014 boating season. The fee would apply during peak boating season (May 20 -July 10) and would be required between Service Creek and Tumwater Falls . In addition to the Boater Special Recreation Permit Fee, a Lottery is also being considered for peak use periods. Currently, BLM's fee proposal is being reviewed by a sub-group of the John Day-Snake Resource Advisory Council (RAC), a citizens' advisory group. It is likely that the RAC sub-group will recommend changes to BLM 's original fee proposal. The sub-group will bring a recommendation to the full John Day-Snake RAC , and the full RAC will make a formal recommendation to the BLM on the fee proposal. Wildcat Trail Bridge and Wetlands Project An old road bed containing approximately 25 feet of culvert washed out along Long Prairie Slough behind La Pine High School more than a decade ago . The channel cut around the culvert and both the new channel and culvert have since become clogged with debris. The result was a marshy and ponded environment that served as important habitat for Oregon Spotted Frogs. After BLM removed the old culvert, and used a man-made "log jam" overflow structure to maintain the ponded environment, BLM partnered with the Heart of Oregon youth crew to build a 20-foot bridge complete with handrails across the stream . They added an additional 40 feet of boardwalk to protect the marshy edges from trampling and help local users (running groups, high/middle school forestry and science classes, etc.) navigate the wetland safely . National Public Lands Day BLM partnered with the Oregon Military Department and the Oregon Youth Challenge program for a cleanup at Redmond Caves this October. Participants cleaned up several hundred pounds of trash from in and around the caves. The youth also learned about the history of the caves and their cultural and geologic significance. Volunteer Day at Maston Dec. 8, 2012. Volunteers will be doing trail construction, fence, planting, installation of benches, signs, -finishing work for new maston trailhead. OET, COTA, BLM ·. The Wildfire Protection Act Productivity and Costs Other Funds $25 M Insurance Policy * $10 M of GF $10 M of OFlPF Stair stepped approach 2013 and beyond in sharing the $20 M in Large fire costs dollar for dollar --~~~~~~~m~Br.r-- I I *OFLPF $3M Statewide Severity Comparis on of Cu muJatlVA I Fund and OF GF t3 94·86 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 --~ --...-----.::::::' ...., .~"-' ~ .. - :: I 20.~8 Days I 1.1 J 50 44.91 Days What the measure does This concept would control and equitably distribute costs In Oregon's wildfire protection system, which combines state and landowner resources to protect forests and communltles-assets of value to all Oregonians. The Wildfire Protection Act would: • Redirect some landowner dollars now used to fight large fires to boost up-front capacity to put out fires while they are still small, the most effective way to reduce costs, natural resource damage, and public safety threats. • Phase In 50-50 public-private sharing of large-fire costs that landowners have paid fully In most years. The state General Fund (GF) would likely share some large-fire costs each season. But the amount that would be reserved each biennium to cover maximum GF liability would be reduced - a reflection of the increased flreflghtlng capacity, • Address problems with affordability of fire protection on lower productivity, flre prone eastside lands. Background: Keeping wildfires small The Oregon Department of Forestry protects about 16 million acres -just over half of Oregon's forestland from fire. This is a $60 billion asset. Protected lands are primarily private, but also include state and other non-federal public land and, by contract, U.S. Bureau of Land Management forests in Western Oregon. Landowners and the state share protection costs. This recognizes the broad public benefits of a healthy forest landscape -clean air and water, economic contributions, recreation and more -and the importance of wildfire protection to public safety. Fire crews, engines and other equipment across the state, in coordination with landowners, forest protective associations and other agencies, extinguish up to 97 percent of fires at 10 acres or less. In addition, air tankers and other supplemental resources are available during peak times, and can be moved to areas of greatest immediate fire danger. Although only a small percentage of fires escape initial attack and grow large, extinguishing even one such fire can cost millions. Key problems The Wildfire Protection Act addresses current and emerging challenges: • Changes in weather and forest conditions are producing larger, more frequent fires. • Fires that escape initial attack and grow large continue to damage natural resources, threaten communities, and generate significant costs. • Affordable protection is especially problematic on lower-productivity, fire prone eastside forests. This can contribute to economic pressure to convert forestland to other use, with degradation or permanent loss of forest values. 2013 legislative session III 1121112) Solutlons: Investing up front through the Wildfire Protection Act The Act recognizes that over time, up-front investment in firefighting capacity is the best means of keeping fires smalL Key features: • $3 million annually in landowner funds now allocated to fighting large fires would instead be invested regularly up front to help keep fires small. The funds would supplement an existing $2 million annual GF special appropriation that provides air tankers, helicopters and other critical resources, positioned wherever fire danger is most severe. • Sharing of large-fire costs would move toward 50-50. Currently, landowners are liable for the first $10 million oflarge-fire costs, as needed annually, and the GF for the next $15 million. These amounts form a $25 million deductible, with an additional $25 million in insurance. Over the last five years, actual large-fire costs have averaged $8 million annually, fully within the landowner share of the deductible. Enhanced firefighting capacity under the Act would allow for a decreased deductible of$20 million. The structure under which landowners are responsible for the first share of the deductible would be phased out, in favor of dollar-for dollar matching with GF. In 2013-2015, the first $2 million would be shared dollar-for-dollar, increasing to cover the full deductible by 2017-2019. • $1.6 million additional GF for 2013-15 would bolster firefighting resources during critical danger periods, and offset eastside protection costs, reducing landowners' per-acre assessments. • New authority would aUow future investment of state and landowner funds in evolving fire protection strategies, such as use of fire-detection cameras. 2013·15 financial Impact recap • Additional $1.6 million GF biennially for firefighting resources and eastside cost offset. • GF set-aside to cover large-fire liability would drop from current $15 million annually to $10 million. • An estimated $2 million GF in large-fire payments in 2013-15 under new cost share structure. • Change in Oregon Forestland Protection Fund authority (landowner dollars) to fund $3 million annually for up-front, critical firefighting resources. • Up to 10 seasonal positions, primarily to manage air tanker and helicopter operations. Contact Travis Medema, Project Leader Fire Protection Division (503) 945-7271 tmedema@odf.state.or.us Nancy Hirsch, Chief of Fire Protection (503) 945-7204 nhirsch@odf.state.or.us Paul Bell, Deputy State Forester (503) 945-7205 pbell@odf.state.or.us r .. OVERVIEW OF FORESTLAND CLASSIFICATION Centrol Oregon District, ODF ~ Forestland classification is the process by which a committee determines which lands meet the definition of forestland and which are required to be protected from wildfire. Forestlands are subject to a forest patrol assessment paid to the Oregon Department of Forestry . ~ DRS 526.005(5)(a} (see at: www.leg.state.or.us/ors/) defines forestland as lIany woodland, brushland, timberland, grazing land, or clearing that, during any time of the year, contains enough forest growth, slashing, or vegetation to constitute, in the judgment of the forester, a fire hazard, regardless of how the land is zoned or taxed. " ~ Forestland classification is required by the laws of the State of Oregon (DRS 526.305 -DRS 526.350). The process is guided by these statutes and additional administrative rules (OAR 629, Division 45 see at: http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/pages/rules/access/index.html). These laws were originally enacted in 1937 with passage of the Forestland Classification Act. ~ By state law, owners of forestland are required to provide protection from fire for those lands . This is normally accomplished by payment of an annual forest patrol assessment. Forestland classification information is used to determine which lands are subject to the assessment and what the assessment rate is. The owners of small parcels pay a minimum assessment of $18.75. ~ It has been many years since forestland classification was done in Central Oregon District and many areas do not have accurate classifications . Due to land-use changes over the years, there are areas that should no longer be classified as forestland but are. Conversely there may be some areas which are not classified as forestland but should be . ~ Forestland classification is done by a committee appointed by the county(ies} or by the State Forester in accordance with DRS 526 .310. The committee includes landowners from the county(ies} in which the lands are being classified as well as representatives appointed by the State Forester, the State Fire Marshall, and the Oregon State University Extension Service. ~ The committee studies all lands within a county to determine which lands meet the definition of forestland (DRS 576.005(5)(a)}. Lands that meet this definition are assigned to one of three classifications depending on the productivity of those lands. Current use, zoning, taxation, or ownership are not considerations when classifying forestlands . ~ The committee classifies lands by studying current and historic aerial imagery and by conducting field visits of the areas being studied. ~ Meetings of the classification committee are advertised in advance and are open to the public . ~ Once a preliminary or draft classification has been made, the committee holds public meetings during which landowners and other interested parties may review the classifications and provide comments . 1 OVERVIEW OF FORESTLAND CLASSIFICATION Central Oregon District, ODF ~ The committee is required to hold at least one public hearing on the preliminary classifications . During this time the public is invited to present formal oral or written testimony on the classifications. ~ The committee is required to review all official public testimony and make changes to classifications the committee determines are warranted. ~ The final forestland classification is filed with the County Clerk. ~ A landowner may appeal the final forestland classification to the Circuit Court through a non -jury trial. ~ Lands classified as forestlands are subject to a forest patrol assessment . The monies are used to fund the costs of wildland fire protection. In some cases these lands may also be assessed by a city or rural fire protection district in order to pay for the protection of structures on these same lands . ~ An increase or decrease in the number of classified acres does not result in a similar change to ODF's protection budget. Assessment rates are based on the ODF annual budget divided by the number of classified acres. All other things being equal, an increase in acres will decrease the per acre assessment paid by landowners . Conversely, if the number of classified acres is reduced the per acre assessment increases. 2