Land Steward Program Accepting Applications

Jackson County residents have opportunity to participate in a field-based education program about natural resource management.

The Oregon State University Extension Service and the Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District are pleased to offer the 2011 Land Steward program. The Land Steward training will help local small-acreage landowners learn about ways to create a healthy environment on their property through weekly site visits, presentations from natural resource professionals, and the creation of a personalized action plan. The course is targeting land owners who want to learn how to balance sustainability with their rural lifestyles.

The course takes place on Tuesday afternoons, 1:00-5:30 p.m., It begins Sept. 6 and ends Nov. 8.

Applications for the Land Steward Program are available at the OSU Extension Service, 569 Hanley Rd., Central Point.

Applications are due Aug. 26.

For additional information, contact program coordinator Rhianna Simes, (541) 776-7371.

Sunny Days are Good Days for Mowing

Sunny weather is returning to southwest Oregon starting today. It only takes a few hours of sun on a hot day before dry grass and weeds are ready to burn. Mowing will significantly reduce the risk of grass fires. Currently, there are no fire season restrictions in place that restrict when mowing can take place, and several Rogue Basin cities have ordinances which require tall, dry grass and weeds to be mowed.

Restored 1930 Fire Truck to Appear At Open House

The Southwest Oregon District recently restored a 1930 Ford wildland fire suppression truck and it will be on display at the district's open house, July 23. The 4-cylinder, 2-seat, 5-barrel stump jumper is pretty darn close to the original animal, which was used on wildfires in southwest Oregon in the Depression era. It's a rough-riding rascal, but its tall gearing enabled it to climb steep ground nearly as well as a man on foot. But neither man nor horse was able to carry as much water (250 gallons), hose or tools as this sturdy beast.

Lightning and Rain Hit SWO District

Approximately 75 lightning strikes were registered overnight on the Southwest Oregon District. No fires have resulted from the thunderstorm, likely due to the generous amount of rain that fell along with the lightning.

Most of the lightning that was recorded in Josephine County hit from Selma to just west of Grants Pass. In Jackson County, lighting was recorded in the East Evans Creek-to-Round Top region.

Also, vandals hit the Roundtop Fire Lookout last night, stealing equipment and causing damage to the interior of the structure. The lookout is operational, and repairs will be made today.

Follow the Fire Stats

How many fires have started on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties this year? How many acres have these fires burned? Find out on the Southwest Oregon District's fire statistics page. The page is updated every Monday and reflects fire started on ODF-protected lands, which includes 1.8 million acres of private, state, county and Bureau of Land Management lands in the two-county area.

ODF Southwest Oregon District Open House

When: July 23, 2011 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where: Oregon Dept. of Forestry, Southwest Oregon District, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point

The Oregon Department of Forestry turns 100 this year, and the Southwest Oregon District is holding an open house on July 23 to celebrate the agency’s centennial. Visitors are welcome to see the district’s wildfire suppression trucks, helicopters and other equipment. Smokey Bear will be on hand and kids can have their picture taken with the world’s most famous fire-preventing bear. Photos will also be taken beside one of the helicopters, where kids can dress up in firefighter clothing.

Other displays include the district’s recently restored 1930 Ford wildland fire suppression truck; one of the agency’s mobile kitchens, which are used to feed firefighters when a fire camp is set up; mobile fire caches, which contain extra fire suppression equipment (hoses, tools, and portable water ponds); an exhibit about the Oregon Dept. of Forestry’s 100-year history; and displays about forest management and fire prevention.

The open house begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m. The event takes place at the Southwest Oregon District Headquarters, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point.

This event is free and is open to the public.

Visitors are advised to call (541) 664-3328 after 8:00 a.m. on July 23 to find out whether the event has been canceled due to fire suppression activity.

Fire-Fighting Aircraft Arrive in Medford

Airtanker 62 has arrived at the Medford Airtanker Base, located at the Rogue Valley International Medford Airport, and is ready for service. The aircraft is one of two airtankers on a state contract with Butler Aviation, based in Redmond. The second airtanker is stationed at the Redmond airport. Both planes are available for use statewide on wildfires threatening Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands.

Both airtankers are DC-7s capable of carrying 3,000 gallons of retardant or water.

Also, a helicopter for fire-fighting use is now stationed at the Oregon Department of Forestry's Medford Unit, located on Table Rock Rd. The helicopter is a Bell UH-1H that is used to ferry 350-gallon buckets of water to fires, or to sling equipment to firefighters working in remote areas. The helicopter is owned by Airlift Helicopters of Reno, Nev., and is under contract to ODF for the fire season.