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Rulemaking activity

Overview

The Department of Forestry has rulemaking authority over Chapter 629 of the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR). This page provides an overview of rulemaking activity, including proposed rules and recently adopted rules. Resources on this page include current, published rules, contact information for Department rules coordinators, a calendar of anticipated rulemaking activity and a link to subscribe to the Department's rulemaking newsletter.

Rulemaking planning calendar

  • A public comment period will be held Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 at 11:55 p.m. and rulemaking hearings will be held on Jan. 13 (virtual), Jan. 15 (Forest Grove), Jan. 20 (Tillamook), and Jan. 22 (Eugene) at 5:30 p.m. for the proposed rule to adopt a new Forest Management Plan. The locations of the hearings are in the notice of proposed rulemaking. The notice also includes important details including but not limited to the proposed rule text and instructions for submitting public comments and participating in the hearings. View the “Proposed rules" section below.
  • At the January 2026 Board of Forestry meeting, a board decision is anticipated regarding adoption of the proposed rule related to the modification of an administrative deadline. View the “Proposed rules" section below for more information on the rulemaking.
  • There is the potential for Board of Forestry agendas to include discussion and decision items concerning tethered logging rulemaking in 2026 or 2027. More information will be added as it becomes available. 

Proposed rules

The following rules are under consideration for adoption, amendment, repeal or suspension. Information on how the public can engage in this process is listed under each rule, including the public comment period, Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) meetings, hearings and other key dates.

​​Overview

​The 2025 Legislative Session, House Bill 3940, repealed and modified statutes relating to the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund (OFLPF)​. The included set of rules are being repealed to reflect the statute changes.

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking​ includes important details such as the proposed rule repeal, public comment instructions (also listed below), the need for the rule repeal and the anticipated fiscal and economic impact.

Public comment

A public comment period is being held from Dec. 15 through Jan. 1, 5 p.m.

A public rulemaking hearing​ is being held virtually on Dec. 18, at 10 a.m.

How to provide written public comment:

  • ​By email:  nancy.hirsch@odf.oregon.gov​
  • By mail:    Nancy Hirsch, EFCC Administrator
  •  ​                2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310
  • Deadline: ​ Jan. 1, 2026, at 5 p.m.​

​​Overview​

The proposed change to this rule will replace the current Northwest Oregon State Forests Management Plan (OAR 629-035-0105(a)), Southwest Oregon State Forests Management Plan (OAR 629-035-0105(b)), and Elliott State Forest Management Plan (OAR 629-035-0105(c)) with a single Forest Management Plan for these forest lands. The State Forests Division is pursuing an alternative method for compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act by applying for incidental take permits from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Fisheries. The incidental take permits will require the Division to manage Oregon State Forest lands in compliance with a Habitat Conservation Plan. The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan will contain guiding principles, goals, and strategies that are compatible with the Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan.

Note: The Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) was previously managed by the Department of Forestry under the Elliott State Forest Management Plan (OAR 629-035-0105(c)). This plan was adopted in 2011 and also provides the management direction for the lands owned by the Board of Forestry that occur within and around the ESRF. The Legislature and State Land Board have taken action to change the legal requirements and mandates associated with former Common School Fund Lands within the ESRF, and the Department of State Lands is now managing the ESRF consistent with the Elliott State Research Forest Management Plan (October 2024). This rulemaking and the adoption of the Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan will have no impact on the management of the ESRF (including its Habitat Conservation Plan), and will only apply to the lands that remain under the management of the Department of Forestry.

This rule is adopted under the State Forester's authority provided by ORS 530.050 and the Board's authority granted by ORS 526.016. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking includes important details such as the proposed rule text, public comment instructions (also listed below), the need for the rule and the anticipated fiscal and economic impact. 

Public comme​nt

A public comment period is being held from Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 31, 2026, at 11:55 p.m. There will be an informational meeting, three in-person public hearings, and a virtual public hearing.

The virtual informational meeting will be held Jan. 6, 2026, from 1 – 3 p.m. Register for the virtual meeting.

How to provide written public comment:

  • By email:   odf.sfcomments@odf.oregon.gov  
  • By mail:     Justin Butteris, State Forests Division
                     2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310
  • Deadline:   Jan. 31, 2026, at ​​11:55 p.m.

How to provide verbal public comment:

  • Attend an in-person public hearing, held at 5:30 p.m.
    • Jan. 15 - Forest Grove
      • Forest Grove Community Center, 1915 Main St., Forest Grove, OR 97116
    • Jan. 20 - Tillamook
      • Tillamook ODF, 5005 3rd St., Tillamook, OR 97141
    • Jan. 22 - Eugene
      • Lane Events Center, 796 W 13th Ave., Eugene, OR 97402
  • Attend the virtual public hearing, held at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 13.

Key ​​dates

  • The notice of proposed rulemaking was filed with the Secretary of State's Office on Oct. 14, 2025, and appeared in the November 2025 Oregon Bulletin. View the news release​.
  • A public comment period will be held from Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 31, 2026.
  • Hearings will be held Jan. 13, 15, 20, and 22, 2026.
  • An informational virtual meeting will be held Jan. 6, 2026, from 1 – 3 p.m.​

​​​Over​view

Repeal and amendment of rules relating to wildfire hazard map.

2025 Legislative session, Senate Bill 83, repealed statutes relating to wildfire hazard designations. The included set of rules are being repealed and/or amended to reflect the statute changes. House Bill 3349 added "mitigation to activities allowed in addition to "prevention" and "suppression" that are already identified.​

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking includes important details such as the proposed rule text, public comment instructions (also listed below), the need for the rule and the anticipated fiscal and economic impact.

Public comment

Public comments were not received in response to the notice of proposed rulemaking.​

​Key dates

  • A public comment period was held until ​Oct. 21 and a rulemaking hearing was not requested.​
  • A board decision regarding adoption of the proposed rule is anticipated to be on the January 2026 Board of Forestry meeting agenda.​​

​​​Overview

This rulemaking proposes changes to Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 629-635-0200 to modify the deadline for the publication of maps related to perennial flow of streams. OAR 629-635-0200 is the water classification rule for forest practices. The purpose of the water classification system is to match the physical characteristics and beneficial uses of a water body to a set of appropriate protection measures. This rulemaking would amend OAR 629-0200 (18), which sets the process and timeline for ODF to update and publish maps related to the perennial flow of streams. The changes include a minor technical fix and the establishment of a new deadline because a model sufficient for regulatory purposes was not available by the original deadline of July 1, 2025. 

Public comment

ODF held a public comment period from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31, 2025, and held a virtual rulemaking hearing on Oct. 21, 2025. Public comments were not received in response to the notice of proposed rulemaking.

​Key dates

  • On Sept. 3, 2025, the Board of Forestry determined the forest practice rule type and directed ODF to file a notice of proposed rulemaking. Learn more by viewing the board meeting and related materials. 
  • The notice of proposed rulemaking​ was filed with the Secretary of State's Office on Sept. 26, 2025, and appeared in the October 2025 Oregon Bulletin. View the news release​.
  • A public comment period was held from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. and a rulemaking hearing was held on Oct. 21, 2025.
  • A board decision regarding adoption of the proposed rule is anticipated to be on the January 2026 Board of Forestry meeting agenda.​

NOTICE: All public comments received in response to a rulemaking notice are considered public records and will be publicly available on our website. Public comments will include the first and last name of the submitter, submission contact information (email address or mailing address), and affiliation (if listed). By submitting a public comment, you agree to have the information you submit posted publicly. Follow the public comment submission instructions for the rulemaking you are interested in commenting on.

Recently adopted rules

View the full list of rules that have been adopted and filed with the Secretary of State within the Oregon Administrative Rules Database (OARD). Rulemaking materials from rules adopted within the last year can be found below. For older rulemaking activity see the annual agency rulemaking reports located on the ODF Legislative Reports page.

​​​​​​Overview

The proposed rules Oregon Administrati​ve Rule 629-041-0515 and 629-041-0550, which adjusts the boundary between the Central Oregon and Northeast Oregon District.

The proposed rules establish the Central Oregon Forest Protection District Boundary to exclude approximately 122,321 acres in Morrow County, Oregon through a transfer to the Northeast Oregon Forest Protection District.

View the notice of proposed rulemaking.

​Public comment

ODF held a public comment period from April 7 to April 30, 2025, and held public hearings on April 17 and April 18, 2025. ​View the public comment submission.​

Key dates

  • ​The filing was submitted to the Secretary of State on​ ​March 25, 2025.
  • The rules were adopted by the Board of Forestry on June 4, 2025.
  • The effective date for the rules is July 1, 2026.

​​​​​​Overview

​The proposed revisions clarify existing language and include recommendations made to the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) by Macias Gini & O'Connell LLP (MGO), an independent third-party contractor, that reviewed ODF's financial practices. The proposed amended administrative rules ensure the true costs of wildland suppression costs are accurately accounted for, tracked, reported, and paid for at the statewide level. 

View the notice of proposed rulemaking.​

Public comment

The Emergency Fire Cost Committee public hearing was held on Oct. 22, 2024. No comments were provided during the hearing. The written comment period closed on Oct. 31, 2024. No public comments received.​

Key dates

  • ​The filing was submitted to the Secretary of State on​ Sept. 23, 2024.
  • The rules were adopted by the Emergency Fire Cost Committee on Nov. 6, 2024.
  • The effective date for the rules was Jan. 1, 2025.

Other support document

Eligibility of Firefighting Costs for the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund​​

​​​​​​Overview

The Certified Burn Manager (CBM) rules created under the direction of SB762 in 2022 are being updated to provide clarification and language changes. The proposed updates provide clarification and language changes and reflect lessons learned from the initial CBM implementation. The changes do not substantially alter the program's purpose, intent, or implementation.

View the notice of proposed rulemaking.

Public comment

The written comment period closed on Aug. 15, 2024​. No public comments received.​

Key dates

  • The filing was submitted to the Secretary of State on June 28, 2024.
  • The rules were adopted by the Board of Forestry on Sept. 4, 2024.
  • The effective date for the rules was Oct. 1, 2024.​​

​​​​​​Overview

Senate Bill 80 of the 2023 Legislative session and House Bill 4016 of the 2024 Legislative session directed the development of the Prescribed Fire Liability Pilot Program. The proposed rules establish the purpose, definitions, and general requirements for implementing the pilot program.

View the notice of proposed rulemaking.​​

Public comment

The written comment period closed on Aug. 15, 2024. No public comments received.​

Key dates

  • The filing was submitted to the Secretary of State on June 28, 2024.
  • The rules were adopted by the Board of Forestry on Sept. 4, 2024.
  • The effective date for the rules was Oct. 1, 2024.​​

​​​Overview

The Board of Forestry approved the public hearing process for the proposed rule package, Oregon Administrative Rules 629-001-0001 to 0057 and 629-044-1000 to 1041, during their June 5, 2024, meeting. The department consulted a Rulemaking Advisory Committee representing a wide variety of stakeholder interests while drafting the proposed rules.

The rules will be used by Oregon State University to address irrigated agriculture as a mitigating factor to assessing wildfire hazard in the statewide wildfire hazard map, which includes assigning one of three hazard zones to individual properties. The rules also establish the process to appeal assignment of a hazard zone or classification. 

View the notice of proposed rulemaking.

Public comment

The written comment period closed on Aug. 15, 2024. Public comments received were provided to the Board of Forestry during the Sept. 4-5, 2024, Board of Forestry public meeting. View the public comment submissions.​​

Key dates

  • ​The filing was submitted to the Secretary of State on​​ June 27, 2024.​
  • The rules were adopted by the Board of Forestry on Sept. 4, 2024.
  • The effective date for the rules was Oct. 1, 2024.​

​​​​​Ove​rview

The prevention rules align fire prevention, equipment requirements for fire suppression and use of fireworks on public lands to increase wildfire prevention efforts.

View the notice of proposed rulemaking.​

Public comment

The written comment period closed on Aug. 1, 2024. No public comments received.​

Key dates​​

  • ​​The filing was submitted to the Se​cretary of State on ​June 28, 2024.
  • The rules were adopted by the Board of Forestry on Sept. 4, 2024.
  • The effective date for the rules was Jan. 1, 2025.​​

​​​​​​​​​​Overview

The post-disturbance harvest rulemaking directed by Senate Bill 1501 (2022) makes changes to two rules making only minor technical changes to Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 629-643-0000 and more substantial changes to OAR 629-643-0300. 629-643-0300 is the alternative vegetation retention prescription that can be applied in lieu of the standard practice or small forestland owner minimum option when applicable conditions are met. The changes replace the prior rule provisions with new provisions that establish the conditions of when and how the alternative prescriptions can be applied after catastrophic events. 

View the final rules​ effective March 1, 2026.

Public comment

ODF held a public comment period on the proposed rules from  April 1 to May 1, 2024, and held a rules hearing on April 22, 2024. A second public comment period was held from July 1 to July 31, 2025. View a summary of the public comments received and ODF's response.

Additional public engagement: On Feb. 23, 2024, the Board of Forestry (board) made required determinations and directed ODF to take specific actions related to post-disturbance harvest rulemaking. The public had the opportunity to provide written comments and/or live testimony at this board meeting. Additionally, in preparing the Analysis of the Estimated Economic Impact of Proposed OAR 629-643-0300, ODF solicited public input and received 344 responses which informed the analysis. ​

Key dates

  • On Jan. 4, 2023, the board directed ODF to start rulemaking on post-disturbance harvest activities. Learn more by viewing the board materials.
  • On Feb. 23, 2024, the board made required determinations and directed ODF to file a notice of proposed rulemaking. ​Learn more by viewing the board meeting and related materials. 
  • The notice of proposed rulemaking was filed with the Secretary of State's Office on March 27, 2024, and appeared in the April 2024 Oregon Bulletin.
  • From ​April 1 to May 1, 2024, ODF held a public comment period on the rules and a rules hearing was held on April 22, 2024.
  • On June 4, 2025, the board directed ODF to reopen the public comment period and to return to the board with the results of the additional public comment period and a decision regarding the rulemaking at the September 2025 board meeting. Learn more by viewing the June 2025 board meeting and related materials.
  • From July 1 to July 31, 2025, an additional public comment period was held and was announced through a public notice​ in the July 2025 Oregon Bulletin.
  • On the Sept. 3, 2025, the board adopted the rules. Learn more by viewing the Sept. 2025 board meeting and related materials​.​
  • On Sept. 5, 2025, a Permanent Administrative Order​ was filed to complete the rulemaking process. The order appeared in the October 2025 Oregon Bulletin and the rule amendments will be effective Mar. 1, 2026.

Resources

Email updates

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Contact

Email the rules coordinator team