The Klamath-Lake District of the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and Walker Range Fire Patrol Association (WRPA), in conjunction with the Klamath County Forest Land Classification Committee, have been reviewing existing forestland classification information in Klamath County.  This effort is intended to improve Wildland Fire Protection, and the accuracy and equity of Forest Patrol Assessments.  The Forestland Classification Committee is comprised of six individuals, three of which are Klamath County landowners.

 

This classification process is used by ODF and WRPA to determine Forest Patrol Assessments for wildfire protection to owners of forestland.  The definition of forestland as stated in applicable Oregon statutes includes most areas with flammable vegetation, including timbered landscapes and rangeland (grazing land) within ODF’s & WRPA’s protection district boundaries.  Forest Patrol Assessments are used in conjunction with State of Oregon General Fund appropriations to maintain and operate the Department of Forestry’s forest fire suppression system.  A different assessment rate is applied to timbered lands and grazing lands.

 

 

(Public Hearing PDF versions posted January 8, 2013)