Western Oregon Operating Plan Addresses Wildfires

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Oregon/Washington State Office

Media Contact:

Maria Thi Mai, Bureau of Land Management
Bobbi Doan, Oregon Department of Forestry

Portland, Ore. – On May 14, 2019 the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Coos Forest Protective Association, and Douglas Forest Protective Association and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) signed a Western Oregon Operating Plan (Plan). This five-year plan will remain in effect from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2024. The Plan addresses wildfire protection on Bureau of Land Management administered lands in western Oregon. These lands include Oregon and California Railroad lands, Coos Bay Wagon Road lands, Public Domain lands, and other acquired lands. These lands and resources are managed under the principles of multiple use and sustained yield.

This plan is a continuation of coordinated and cooperative efforts by ODF, BLM, Coos Forest Protective Association, and Douglas Forest Protective Association to provide wildland fire initial attack responses, wildfire prevention and public use restrictions. “The BLM is committed to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive,” said Jeff Fedrizzi, BLM State Fire Management Officer. “This plan helps ensure that wildfire response and public safety will be coordinated and consistent across jurisdictional boundaries.”

An extension of a decades old partnership with the BLM and ODF, the Plan benefits all Oregonians. “Fire knows no boundaries,” said Ron Graham, Deputy Chief of Fire Protection for ODF. “As stewards of Oregon’s natural resources, continuing to provide prevention and protection resources across all ownerships and jurisdictions on the landscape is a priority for ODF, our Association partners, and all those within the complete and coordinated fire protection system.”

Meetings with all agency managers and key staff coordinating the implementation of the Plan have begun. These meetings are intended to establish a common understanding that provides the highest level of customer service, maintaining the long standing partnership between the agencies.

Information about wildfire management with the BLM, ODF, Coos Forest Protective Association, and Douglas Forest Protective Association are available at:
https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington
https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/pages/FireStats.aspx
http://www.coosfpa.net/
https://www.dfpa.net/


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.