Debris Management Task Force Update

Source: DebrisCleanupNews.com

General Operation Updates

As work continues to help keep wildfire-impacted communities safe, the independent arborist hired to review the state-led hazard tree process found that the operation is sound. The independent arborist contractor, Galen Wright, brought more than thirty years of Pacific Northwest arboriculture and forestry experience to his review, including expertise in hazard tree analysis. Mr. Wright’s review gave the operation an “A” grade and determined that the certified arborists and foresters working in the field possess the necessary expertise to make hazard tree determinations accurately—as evidenced by work to date. In addition to Mr. Wright’s report, the hazard tree operation is part of the Oregon Secretary of State’s annual audit plan and ongoing internal reviews for continuous improvement. Read the press release posted this week and watch the video showing the people, process and spirit working to help keep Oregon’s wildfire recovery areas safe and secure.

We know that this unprecedented emergency hazard tree removal effort is new to Oregon and that landscapes have changed significantly as a result of the 2020 wildfires. We know that with anything so tragically new, coupled with dramatically changing landscapes, that Oregonians will continue to have many questions and concerns. We’re here to help. We encourage everyone with questions, concerns or comments to call our hotline at 503-934-1700. We’ve also created a new online tool for property owners to learn more about hazard trees on their property and to schedule time with an arborist should they have additional questions.

Deadlines for participating in the state debris cleanup program have passed in Clackamas (May 31), Lane (June 1), and Jackson counties (June 7). The deadline for Douglas County is June 15. To date, we have received 15 new Right of Entry (ROE) forms statewide for property owners choosing to participate. For anyone still wishing to opt in, please call our hotline at 503-934-1700 to discuss potential options and how we can help.

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 6-18 months to complete all properties. In total, this work will require marking and cutting more than 140,000 hazard trees and removing ash and debris from more than 1,400 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.

Holiday Farm Fire area (Lane County, McKenzie River area, Highway 126): Debris removal operations are nearly 55% complete and crews continue steady progress. Hazard tree removal work is complete at local parks to allow for reopening. Hazard tree work continues at mileposts 29-30, 33 and 42. Crews will be stacking logs in the Blue River area. Hazard tree work on properties continues in the Blue River area, in Lane County park areas, and at Ben and Kay Dorris State Park. Travelers can expect long traffic delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes.

Much more information is available in the full post here.