State officials announced that a new site with trees infected by the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum – also known as Sudden Oak Death – has been discovered in Curry County. The new infection site is over six miles north of a quarantine boundary established by state and federal officials to stop the spread of Sudden Oak Death (SOD) infection outside of southwest Oregon.
Two tanoak trees infected with Phytophthora ramorum were noted by Oregon Department of Forestry insect and disease specialists through aerial detection in Cape Sebastian State Park, about 20 miles north of Brookings. Follow-up survey work on the ground confirmed the diagnosis. Other tanoak trees in immediate vicinity also showed browning of the lower tree crown, which can be an early symptom of Sudden Oak Death.
As required by State law, the Cape Sebastian State Park infection site and a three mile buffer zone are now included in the Sudden Oak Death quarantine area. Plants species susceptible to P. ramorum and soil associated with the infected trees cannot be moved out of the area, unless heat treated to required specifications. Because the site is outside of the existing quarantine boundary, the State is moving as quickly as possible to treat the site to minimize the risk of spread of the pathogen.
State officials are unsure at this point how the pathogen travelled outside the SOD quarantine area established three years ago to contain the spread.
“Additional investigation is needed to determine how this new area – which is over 12 miles from the nearest known infected tree – acquired the pathogen,” said Alan Kanaskie, forest pathologist with the Oregon Department of Forestry. “Once we have determined the extent of the infestation, we will develop a treatment plan and move quickly to complete the work before the onset of autumn rains in the region.”
SOD can kill highly susceptible tree species such as tanoak, coast live oak, and California black oak by causing lesions on the main stem. Tanoak is by far the most susceptible species in Oregon, and the disease seriously threatens the future of this species. The pathogen also causes leaf blight or dieback on many other host plants including rhododendron, evergreen huckleberry and Oregon myrtle. Oregon’s iconic Douglas fir also can be infected by the pathogen but it is not seriously damaged. Early detection of SOD is achieved through a combination of aerial survey, follow-up ground visits and monitoring the presence of the SOD pathogen in streams. These efforts are critical to ongoing attempts to slow spread of the pathogen in Oregon.
Between 2001 and the end of 2009, eradication treatments were completed on approximately 2,900 acres of forest at an estimated cost of $5 million. Despite this effort, SOD continues to slowly expand in Curry County -- from 2007 to 2009 approximately 60 new infested sites were found each of the two years.
In 2010, 83 new sites were found, and thus far in 2011 more than 100 new Sudden Oak Death sites have been found. SOD experts presume the increased spread of the disease is due to consecutive years of weather favorable for disease spread, slow development of recognizable symptoms, and delays in treatment application associated with detection and resource constraints.
In 2008, a 162-square-mile quarantine zone for SOD was established in southern Curry County. The quarantine restriction prohibits nursery products, wood products or specialty forest products grown in areas known to contain SOD pathogens from being exported outside the quarantine zone unless specific disease-prevention protocols are followed. The federal Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture have programs in place with forest and plant producers in Curry County to ensure these products can continue to be processed and certified as pathogen-free for sale outside Curry County. The quarantine area and rules were revised in 2011.
Sudden Oak Death is a relatively new plant disease in Oregon. It was first discovered in July 2001 at five sites on the southern coast near Brookings, although aerial photos of the area indicate that the pathogen may have been present at one site since about 1997 or 1998. Outside of Oregon, SOD is known to occur only in forests in 14 California counties and in several European countries. The origin of the pathogen is unknown.
There are several ways to help prevent the spread of SOD.
• Buy only certified plant stock from a licensed nursery.
• If traveling in areas with known SOD infestations, clean shoes, vehicles, and pets’ feet when leaving the area.
• Do not gather any plant materials in SOD-infested areas.
• Do not move firewood from an infested area.
• If you suspect a plant may be infected with SOD on your property, call 1 (800) INVADER.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Fire Restrictions Eased on Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
With the advent of shorter days, cooler temperatures and significant precipitation in the forecast, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has terminated the public use restrictions for fires on the Wild Rivers, Siskiyou Mountains and High Cascades Ranger Districts effective Friday, September 30, 2011. Fire danger on the Forest remains High and the Industrial Fire Precation Level (IFPL) remains at Level II.
IFPL II, referred to as “partial hoot owl”, prohibits industrial operations including power saws (except at loading sites), cable yarding, blasting and welding or cutting of metal, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. local time. These restrictions apply to all contractors and permit holders, including those with permits to cut personal use firewood.
Fall is a fabulous time for visitors to enjoy their forests, but all are encouraged to be cautious with fire while out in the woods and to make sure campfires and smoking materials are completely extinguished before leaving.
IFPL II, referred to as “partial hoot owl”, prohibits industrial operations including power saws (except at loading sites), cable yarding, blasting and welding or cutting of metal, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. local time. These restrictions apply to all contractors and permit holders, including those with permits to cut personal use firewood.
Fall is a fabulous time for visitors to enjoy their forests, but all are encouraged to be cautious with fire while out in the woods and to make sure campfires and smoking materials are completely extinguished before leaving.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Hunting Season Opener Means Fire Caution for Hunters
For the Oct. 1 general big game season opener, predicted dry conditions in most forested areas of Oregon underscore the need for hunters to be fire safety conscious. Even though fall is in the air, careless actions can still spark a wildfire.
Parched grasses, brush and other fine fuels can ignite from a variety of sources – an errant spark from a campfire or warming fire, a discarded cigarette, or a hot exhaust system contacting vegetation. And under fall conditions, these fire starts often don’t become apparent until hours or even days later.
A warming fire built on a hillside in the early morning hours to take the chill off may appear to be out when the hunter eventually moves on. But the ashes can retain heat. On the next sunny day, a little wind can rekindle that “dead” fire and cause it to spread into a wildfire.
The safest place for a campfire is in a campground with established fire pits. Before leaving a campfire or warming fire, be sure to douse it repeatedly with water, stirring the ashes each time to ensure it is completely extinguished.
When driving a full-sized vehicle or ATV in the forest, always carry fire equipment required by the jurisdictional land management agency. And before heading to your hunting location, check the current rules on vehicle use. In some areas, off-road use of motorized vehicles may be prohibited.
Likewise with smoking: Check the rules. Depending on the fire danger level, smoking may be restricted to inside a closed vehicle or building. In any case, never discard smoking materials in grass or other vegetation.
The good news for hunters is that the dry conditions are forecast to change Sunday evening with the onset of rain in many areas.
For additional fire safety tips and current fire restrictions, contact the Oregon Department of Forestry or the Keep Oregon Green Association.
Parched grasses, brush and other fine fuels can ignite from a variety of sources – an errant spark from a campfire or warming fire, a discarded cigarette, or a hot exhaust system contacting vegetation. And under fall conditions, these fire starts often don’t become apparent until hours or even days later.
A warming fire built on a hillside in the early morning hours to take the chill off may appear to be out when the hunter eventually moves on. But the ashes can retain heat. On the next sunny day, a little wind can rekindle that “dead” fire and cause it to spread into a wildfire.
The safest place for a campfire is in a campground with established fire pits. Before leaving a campfire or warming fire, be sure to douse it repeatedly with water, stirring the ashes each time to ensure it is completely extinguished.
When driving a full-sized vehicle or ATV in the forest, always carry fire equipment required by the jurisdictional land management agency. And before heading to your hunting location, check the current rules on vehicle use. In some areas, off-road use of motorized vehicles may be prohibited.
Likewise with smoking: Check the rules. Depending on the fire danger level, smoking may be restricted to inside a closed vehicle or building. In any case, never discard smoking materials in grass or other vegetation.
The good news for hunters is that the dry conditions are forecast to change Sunday evening with the onset of rain in many areas.
For additional fire safety tips and current fire restrictions, contact the Oregon Department of Forestry or the Keep Oregon Green Association.
Ashland Adds Two Firewise Communities
Ashland Fire & Rescue proudly announces the recognition of two additional Firewise Communities, Merrill Circle and Strawberry Lane Meadows. These two neighborhoods will be formally recognized for their efforts in wildfire preparedness by posting Firewise Communities signs in the neighborhood. The street signs indicate national recognition of the community that has partnered with Ashland Fire & Rescue and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in the Firewise Communities program.
The National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Firewise Communities program encourages local solutions for wildfire safety by involving homeowners, community leaders, planners, developers, firefighters, and others in the effort to protect people and property from the risk of wildfire.
Residents of these two communities have partnered with local agencies to maintain their commonly owned open space areas free of excess woodland debris and undergrowth, and individual residents have removed fire-prone vegetation from their privately owned property. Wildfire preparedness efforts by these communities have meaningful results for adjacent Ashland residents and the uphill Ashland watershed. Ashland Fire & Rescue congratulates the residents of Strawberry Lane Meadows and Merrill Circle for taking responsibility for wildfire preparedness and partnering with local agencies in their efforts.
The Firewise Communities signs for Strawberry Lane Meadows will be unveiled Thursday, September 29th, at 3:30 PM, in a recognition ceremony for the Strawberry Lane Meadows Firewise Board and local residents. The ceremony will take place at the intersection of Strawberry Lane and Birdsong Lane in Ashland. Merrill Circle Firewise Community signs will be posted the week of September 26th at the intersection of Guthrie Street and Merrill Circle.
The National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Firewise Communities program encourages local solutions for wildfire safety by involving homeowners, community leaders, planners, developers, firefighters, and others in the effort to protect people and property from the risk of wildfire.
Residents of these two communities have partnered with local agencies to maintain their commonly owned open space areas free of excess woodland debris and undergrowth, and individual residents have removed fire-prone vegetation from their privately owned property. Wildfire preparedness efforts by these communities have meaningful results for adjacent Ashland residents and the uphill Ashland watershed. Ashland Fire & Rescue congratulates the residents of Strawberry Lane Meadows and Merrill Circle for taking responsibility for wildfire preparedness and partnering with local agencies in their efforts.
The Firewise Communities signs for Strawberry Lane Meadows will be unveiled Thursday, September 29th, at 3:30 PM, in a recognition ceremony for the Strawberry Lane Meadows Firewise Board and local residents. The ceremony will take place at the intersection of Strawberry Lane and Birdsong Lane in Ashland. Merrill Circle Firewise Community signs will be posted the week of September 26th at the intersection of Guthrie Street and Merrill Circle.
Southern Oregon Regional Forest Practices Committee to Meet in Oct.
The Southern Oregon Regional Forest Practices Committee has scheduled a meeting for Wednesday October 12 at the Sleep Inn and Suites, 2855 Edenbower Boulevard in Roseburg. The meeting is tentatively scheduled to run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a public comment period scheduled near the start of the meeting.
Regional Forest Practices Committees are panels of citizens – mandated under Oregon law - that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. Three Regional Forest Practices Committees, serving the Northwest, Southwest and Eastern regions of the state, were created within the Oregon Forest Practices Act in 1971. Under Oregon law, a majority of Regional Forest Practices Committees members are private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.
The agenda for the meeting is scheduled to include:
• Southern Oregon Committee chair selection
• Update on the evaluation of services and rebuilding capacity within the ODF Private Forests program
• Update on ODF Private Forests program assignments in Oregon Board of Forestry work items
• Discussion of the rulemaking process to implement 2011 House Bill 2165
• Scheduling future meeting for the Committee
Members of the public may attend the meeting. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Questions about accessibility or special accommodations for the meeting can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at 503-945-7427.
Oregon’s forests are among one of the state’s most valued resources, providing a balanced mix of environmental, economic and social benefits.
Additional information about ODF’s Regional Forest Practices Committees is available on the Oregon Department of Forestry’s web site.
Regional Forest Practices Committees are panels of citizens – mandated under Oregon law - that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. Three Regional Forest Practices Committees, serving the Northwest, Southwest and Eastern regions of the state, were created within the Oregon Forest Practices Act in 1971. Under Oregon law, a majority of Regional Forest Practices Committees members are private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.
The agenda for the meeting is scheduled to include:
• Southern Oregon Committee chair selection
• Update on the evaluation of services and rebuilding capacity within the ODF Private Forests program
• Update on ODF Private Forests program assignments in Oregon Board of Forestry work items
• Discussion of the rulemaking process to implement 2011 House Bill 2165
• Scheduling future meeting for the Committee
Members of the public may attend the meeting. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Questions about accessibility or special accommodations for the meeting can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at 503-945-7427.
Oregon’s forests are among one of the state’s most valued resources, providing a balanced mix of environmental, economic and social benefits.
Additional information about ODF’s Regional Forest Practices Committees is available on the Oregon Department of Forestry’s web site.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Fire Restriction Level Changes on Rogue River-Siskiyou NF
The weekend weather proved to be a double edged sword for fire danger on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest as winds from the approaching cold front and subsequent precipitation first increased fire behavior on the Lonesome Fire, then provided enough relief to enable fire restrictions to be relaxed on the wild section of the Rogue Wild and Scenic River.
The Lonesome Fire, located within and adjacent to the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness on both the Rogue River-Siskiyou and Umpqua National Forests, continued to spread over the weekend, prompting the closure of a segment of Forest Road 6560 on the High Cascades Ranger District. This lightning sparked fire has been burning for over two weeks and is being managed to meet multiple resource objectives while minimizing firefighter exposure and suppression costs. That portion of Forest Road 6560 that has been closed begins at its junction with State Highway 230 to the junction with Forest Road 6560/400. The Lonesome Fire is currently estimated to be 1,200 acres and is exhibiting smoldering fire behavior in heavy dead fuels. Two twenty person handcrews and an engine are currently assigned to the fire.
Fire danger on the wild section of the Rogue Wild and Scenic River located within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has been downgraded from extreme to high effective Monday, Sept. 26. Current restrictions from Marial downstream to the mouth of Watson Creek are as follows:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire except:
a. In commercially produced pressurized liquid or gas stoves. Cooking areas are to be naturally free of vegetation. Each group must have a shovel and bucket.
b. Using charcoal briquettes only within a raised fire pan or similar device that will contain the fire and its residue, free of natural vegetation, below the high water mark from Marial downstream to the mouth of Watson Creek.
2. Smoking except within the following locations:
a. While aboard a watercraft while navigating, or at rest, on a waterway.
b. On sand and gravel bars between the river and the high water mark naturally free of flammable vegetation.
For additional information visit our website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/rrs or contact any Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest office.
The Lonesome Fire, located within and adjacent to the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness on both the Rogue River-Siskiyou and Umpqua National Forests, continued to spread over the weekend, prompting the closure of a segment of Forest Road 6560 on the High Cascades Ranger District. This lightning sparked fire has been burning for over two weeks and is being managed to meet multiple resource objectives while minimizing firefighter exposure and suppression costs. That portion of Forest Road 6560 that has been closed begins at its junction with State Highway 230 to the junction with Forest Road 6560/400. The Lonesome Fire is currently estimated to be 1,200 acres and is exhibiting smoldering fire behavior in heavy dead fuels. Two twenty person handcrews and an engine are currently assigned to the fire.
Fire danger on the wild section of the Rogue Wild and Scenic River located within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has been downgraded from extreme to high effective Monday, Sept. 26. Current restrictions from Marial downstream to the mouth of Watson Creek are as follows:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire except:
a. In commercially produced pressurized liquid or gas stoves. Cooking areas are to be naturally free of vegetation. Each group must have a shovel and bucket.
b. Using charcoal briquettes only within a raised fire pan or similar device that will contain the fire and its residue, free of natural vegetation, below the high water mark from Marial downstream to the mouth of Watson Creek.
2. Smoking except within the following locations:
a. While aboard a watercraft while navigating, or at rest, on a waterway.
b. On sand and gravel bars between the river and the high water mark naturally free of flammable vegetation.
For additional information visit our website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/rrs or contact any Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest office.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Prescribed Burns Planned on the Klamath National Forest
The Klamath National Forest announces prescribed burning projects that will reintroduce fire back into the ecosystem under established and controlled burning conditions. Low intensity underburns and burning of piled materials will be utilized to reduce vegetative build-up with the objectives of mitigating the severity of future wildfires, enhancing wildlife habitat, and improving the overall health of the forest.
The following prescribed fire projects are planned to be accomplished this fall in these locations:
Salmon River
Sawyers Bar Fuels Reduction – 2,800 acres on the south face of Tanners Peak
Long Gibson – 800 acres, five miles south of Cecilville
Glassups – 200 acres, one mile south of Sawyers Bar
Crapo – 24 acres, two miles southeast of Sauerkraut Peak
Scott River
Deep – 1,800 acres, fifteen miles west of Fort Jones
In addition, burning of piled materials is scheduled for 1,400 acres across the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District.
For more information on burning projects on the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District, please contact: Josh Schmalenberger (530) 468-1269.
Goosenest
• 274 acres of underburning, approximately two miles northeast of the Deer Mountain Lodge (located on Highway 97 and the Forest Service 19 Road) and approximately two miles north of the Deer Mountain Snow Park along the 44N23 Road.
• 135 acres of underburning, in vicinity of Baird Springs, approximately two miles southeast of Tennant. This project is part of a continuing research project to assess the effects that different treatments have on improving forest health and timber production.
• 335 acres of piles are planned to be burned in the area located four miles west of Macdoel, CA on the eastern and northeastern slopes of Ball Mountain. It is located in the Seikel, Muskgrave, and Harris Creek sub-watersheds.
In addition, burning of piled materials is scheduled for 2,000 acres across the Goosenest Ranger District.
For more information on burning projects on the Goosenest Ranger District, please contact: Ron McEwen (530) 398 5731.
The prescribed burning will be conducted on days when conditions for managing fire intensity and smoke production are within acceptable guidelines. The objectives of these fuel reduction projects are to reduce hazardous fuel levels and to provide for safer communities while improving the overall health of the forest.
All prescribed burning operations will be accomplished in accordance with an approved burn plan, which states specifically how and when to safely implement the burn and the expected results. All smoke management guidelines and laws will be closely followed.
The following prescribed fire projects are planned to be accomplished this fall in these locations:
Salmon River
Sawyers Bar Fuels Reduction – 2,800 acres on the south face of Tanners Peak
Long Gibson – 800 acres, five miles south of Cecilville
Glassups – 200 acres, one mile south of Sawyers Bar
Crapo – 24 acres, two miles southeast of Sauerkraut Peak
Scott River
Deep – 1,800 acres, fifteen miles west of Fort Jones
In addition, burning of piled materials is scheduled for 1,400 acres across the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District.
For more information on burning projects on the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District, please contact: Josh Schmalenberger (530) 468-1269.
Goosenest
• 274 acres of underburning, approximately two miles northeast of the Deer Mountain Lodge (located on Highway 97 and the Forest Service 19 Road) and approximately two miles north of the Deer Mountain Snow Park along the 44N23 Road.
• 135 acres of underburning, in vicinity of Baird Springs, approximately two miles southeast of Tennant. This project is part of a continuing research project to assess the effects that different treatments have on improving forest health and timber production.
• 335 acres of piles are planned to be burned in the area located four miles west of Macdoel, CA on the eastern and northeastern slopes of Ball Mountain. It is located in the Seikel, Muskgrave, and Harris Creek sub-watersheds.
In addition, burning of piled materials is scheduled for 2,000 acres across the Goosenest Ranger District.
For more information on burning projects on the Goosenest Ranger District, please contact: Ron McEwen (530) 398 5731.
The prescribed burning will be conducted on days when conditions for managing fire intensity and smoke production are within acceptable guidelines. The objectives of these fuel reduction projects are to reduce hazardous fuel levels and to provide for safer communities while improving the overall health of the forest.
All prescribed burning operations will be accomplished in accordance with an approved burn plan, which states specifically how and when to safely implement the burn and the expected results. All smoke management guidelines and laws will be closely followed.
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