Debris Cleanup Weekly Update

Source: DebrisCleanupNews.com

The State of Oregon and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) have expectations that the work associated with hazard tree cutting and removal and private property debris cleanup will be completed by later this year. When comparing Beachie Creek and Riverside prime contractor Engineering and Construction Contracts (ECCs) performance to others, we determined that they would not be able to complete the work in a reasonable timeframe. Thus, we found it in the best interest of the public to terminate all contracts with ECC for convenience on June 28, 2021.

Starting this week, after a brief pause for heat and the Fourth of July holiday, prime contractors Suulutaaq, Inc. (for hazard tree removal) and K & E Excavating (for property debris removal) have been assigned and started work in both the Beachie Creek and Riverside Fire areas.

Together, we can all prevent human-caused wildfires. ODOT/Debris Management Task Force (Task Force) crews continue to practice fire-wise operations and have implemented measures to reduce fire risk while delivering wildfire recovery activities for Oregon. Read more about these measures on the Task Force blog.

With the arrival of another wildfire season in Oregon, we know that the somber memories and trauma from 2020 remain. As we continue to make progress removing community safety threats, reopening highways and clearing debris from last year’s wildfires, we are here for Oregon and to help wildfire survivors. Our hotline is available at 503-934-1700 and remains staffed for all hazard tree and debris-related questions. You can track the latest Oregon wildfire-related information at Inciweb for news and contact information (scroll on the map or webpage) or at the Oregon Department of Forestry Fire blog.

By the Numbers

Step 2 of removing tree hazards began in December 2020 and will progress through multiple impacted areas simultaneously. We estimate it will take up to 18 months to complete all properties. In total, this work will require marking and cutting more than 150,000 hazard trees and removing ash and debris from nearly1,400 participating properties.

Below is a summary of the work that has been completed thus far:

Current “By the Numbers” updates are available on the debris and tree removal data dashboard. The interactive status map on the same page provides a visual of all work underway.

Local Operations

Holiday Farm Fire area Lane County, McKenzie River area, Highway 126 Debris removal 59% complete; hazard tree removal 73% complete

• Hazard tree assessment and removal work is underway at mileposts 26, 30-31, and 33, and on private properties where crews are removing debris.