Agencies offer assistance to landowners after fire

Fire rehabilitation resources from a variety of sources are now available to landowners dealing with the aftermath of one of the worst fire seasons in Oregon's history.

Experts agree no one solution applies to all lands in Oregon. The varied ecosystems of the state demand different techniques for fire rehabilitation, and landowners can find assistance from a diverse group of agencies depending upon their situation.

"What needs to be done varies based on the severity of the fire, the land and its vegetation, and the objectives of the landowner," said ODF Forestry Assistance Policy Manager Mike Barsotti.

In some cases the fire may have burned only shrubs and some small trees.

"In cases where the fire has burned only the underbrush and left most of the large trees, nothing may need to be done," said Barsotti. "The forest may actually better meet some landowner objectives after the fire."

On the other hand, a fire may have burned so intensely that it has effectively killed all the vegetation and damaged the soils.

"In these situations it may be important to act quickly to stabilize the soil and re-establish the forest," said Barsotti.

Local foresters and conservation technicians are available to assist landowners in protecting the soil from fall and winter rains. Landowners with questions about salvage harvests should contact their local ODF office and speak with a Forest Practice Forester about the rules and regulations concerning these operations.

"The landowner's objectives play the key role in developing a strategy to restore the landscape after a fire," said Barsotti. Landowners may want to emphasize restoring the timber resource, emphasize providing grazing or fisheries and wildlife habitat, or emphasize protection of soils from erosion.

Many resources are available to landowners, including publications, Web sites and technical experts who can help develop a plan to address short-term and long-term issues. Additional financial resources have been made available through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Access and Habitat Board, which has allocated up to $100,000 in grants for landowners who want to emphasize restoring wildlife forage.

"We want to work with private landowners to provide opportunities to restore or improve wildlife habitat," said Marnie Albritten, ODFW wildlife biologist. "Grass and other forage seeding can provide grazing opportunities, and also restore habitat for creatures on and under the surface of the ground."

In addition, the D.L. Phipps Forest Nursery outside of Elkton has seedlings available for replanting efforts.

One issue facing all landowners is noxious weed control. Quick establishment of wanted vegetation reduces the rapid spread of noxious weeds after wildfire. Restoration efforts should focus on short- and long-term objectives. For example, the selection of tree species and grass seed can have long-term implications as well as short-term effects on the various resources. Local resource professionals are available to assist landowners in determining what needs to be done to restore the resource in a manner consistent with management objectives.

Sources of Assistance by Landowner Objective

Salvage and Reforestation

• Salvage logging: Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Q
• Tree planting: species, seedling type, availability: ODF Service Foresters, D.L. Phipps Forest Nursery
• Financial Assistance: State and federal cost-share, state grants, state and federal income tax credits: ODF Service Foresters, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) and Watershed Councils, USDA- Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

Soil Stabilization

• Grass seeding mixtures: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Access and Habitat Program, USDA-NRCS, local SWCD
• Mechanical barriers: USDA-NRCS, ODF Service Foresters
• Financial assistance: USDA-NRCS and Farm Services Agency (FSA), Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB)

Wildlife Habitat

• Forage: ODFW Access and Habitat Program
• Snags and downed logs: ODFW wildlife biologist, ODF
• Financial assistance: ODFW Access and Habitat Program
• Range Improvement
• Grass seeding mixtures: ODFW Access and Habitat Program, USDA-NRCS, Oregon State University Extension
• Financial assistance for grass seeding, rebuilding fences: ODFW Access and Habitat Program, USDA-NRCS and FSA

Agency Internet Address Directory for Assistance

Oregon Dept of Forestry - Service Foresters

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW)

Farm Services Agency (FSA) and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB)

Watershed Councils

Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD)