State-Led Cleanup Update + ROE Deadline is June 1st
Source: McKenzieRebuilds.org
Debris removal and hazard tree operations are nearly 40 percent complete and crews continue to make significant progress. Hazard tree marking and tagging continues between mileposts 30-36 and 40-43. Hazard tree removal is underway at mileposts 33-35 and at local and county parks—including at Blue River Park—to help these areas reopen sooner.
The House Special Committee on Wildfire Recovery heard a presentation from Mac Lynde, a deputy administrator at the Oregon Department of Transportation, on Friday, May 7 and May 14. These updates will likely continue each Friday through the end of the legislative session. The Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire Recovery also heard a short update on Monday, May 17.
Next Facebook Live update noon May 20th
www.facebook.com/LaneCountyGovernment.
Updates will include:
- State-led cleanup
- Tree removal
- Free legal help
You can view past update videos at www.mckenzierebuilds.org/updates.
Right-of-Entry for cleanup due by June 1st
June 1, 2021 is the deadline for fire survivors who wish to participate in the State-led cleanup effort to submit a Right-of-Entry (ROE) form.
More information about the ROE and cleanup process is available at https://www.mckenzierebuilds.org/right-of-entry-for-cleanup.
State hires independent evaluator for hazard tree removal
A Pacific Northwest arborist with more than 30 years of experience in forestry and hazard tree analysis has been hired as an independent contractor to work directly with the Debris Management Task Force to review the hazard tree effort underway in fire areas.
Galen Wright, president of Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc., is tasked with providing a full assessment of the program, including any potential recommendations, by early June. His evaluation will include a review of the FEMA-required criteria being used to mark trees and the skills and qualifications of arborists and foresters in the field. Additionally, Wright will provide on-the-ground support for the current three-step evaluation process used to determine which fire-damaged trees pose safety threats in Oregon’s busiest state highway corridors and other public areas.
In addition to Wright’s independent review, staff and crews will continue ongoing internal program appraisals and work with the Secretary of State’s office as part of its annual audit plan.
Additional checks and balances are in place to ensure fire-damaged tree evaluations and markings are thorough and accurate. Tree markers are paid hourly rather than by the tree to create a clear separation of duties. Tree cutters are liable for a $2,000 fine for each unmarked tree that is cut. ODOT incident commanders, a monitoring firm acting as operation inspectors, a disaster consulting firm with expertise in FEMA-reimbursement procedures, and the Army Corps of Engineers all monitor field operations daily.
