The meeting is open to the public, with an opportunity to address the committee regarding forestland classification during the meeting.
DATE: October 5, 2023
TIME: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Conference Room (66 SE D Street, Madras, Ore.)
Virtual Meeting Link: https://odf.zoom.us/j/93674426689
1-719-359-4580 Meeting ID: 936 7442 6689
The purpose of this meeting is to continue review and update of the Jefferson County Forestland Classification. This review determines lands that may be classified as “Forestland” (ORS 477.001(9)) which determines what lands are protected from wildfire by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
Committee Members:
Diane Burkeen (member-at-large)—Appointed by Jefferson County
Tom Norton (grazing representative)—Appointed by Jefferson County
Ryan Wolfenbarger (timber representative)—Appointed by Jefferson County
Ariel Cowan—Appointed by Oregon State University Extension Director
Chief Don Colfels—Appointed by Oregon State Fire Marshal
Ben Duda—Appointed by Oregon State Forester
Forestland classification is a statutorily required action for determining forestland under Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 526. The Jefferson County Forestland Classification Committee will develop criteria used to identify forestland within Oregon Department of Forestry’s Forest Protection Boundary in Jefferson County, then subsequently classify these lands as Class 2 or Class 3 forestland. Class 2 forestland includes forestland suitable for the joint use of timber production and grazing of livestock, while Class 3 forestland includes forestland suitable for the grazing of livestock and other agricultural uses. Either classification may include lands with structures present. Lands which are determined to be Class 2 or Class 3 will be provided wildland fire protection by Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District and will be subject to forest patrol assessment on their tax statement.