Background
The
Private Forest Accord was the basis for updates to the Forest Practices Act and administrative rules, which include requirements for landowners to assess their forest roads effective Jan. 1, 2024. While both small forestland owners (SFOs) and non-SFOs will be required to assess their forest roads, the process will be unique for each.
Forest Road Inventory and Assessment for non-SFOs
Non-SFOs will engage in a 20-year process known as the Forest Road Inventory and Assessment (FRIA), which will identify and correct road-related issues. This process will include the creation of a comprehensive road network inventory followed by the implementation of needed road improvements.
Learn more about the FRIA.
Road Condition Assessments for SFOs
SFOs will be required to submit a Road Condition Assessment (RCA) when notifying through the Forest Activity Electronic Reporting and Notification System (FERNS) for operations that result in the use of a road to haul timber. Landowners may use available support documents provided by the SFO Office and can receive assistance from their
local ODF forester in completing their RCA.
Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat Program eligibility
An RCA is also required to access benefits of the
Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat (SFISH) Program. Forest road systems and water crossings may harm fish migration and habitat, but correcting these issues can be costly. The SFISH Program is available to assist with these challenges by funding up to 100% of the cost for eligible projects. SFOs interested in applying for an SFISH grant must complete an RCA for the parcel where the SFISH-funded project will occur.
Voluntarily submit an RCA
If you are not planning to conduct an operation that results in the use of a road to haul timber or apply for the SFISH program, you may voluntarily complete an RCA using the form below. Email the completed RCA to the SFO Office at
smallforestlandowneroffice@odf.oregon.gov.
Road Condition Assessment tools
- RCA Form
Complete your Road Condition Assessment using this form.
- Guide to Completing RCAs
This comprehensive guide will assist you in understanding the requirements of the RCA, identifying road features on your land, and completing your RCA.
- RCA Forest Practices Technical Guidance
This advisory guidance, developed by the State Forester through a stakeholder process, provides information to assist landowners and resource professionals to implement the Oregon Forest Practices Act and forest practices rules and includes detailed information about RCAs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if I must complete an RCA or FRIA?
All non-SFOs must complete FRIA. To determine if you meet the requirements of an SFO, please review
“SFO qualifications" on this page.
When am I required to submit an RCA?
SFOs must submit an RCA when notifying for an operation that includes the harvest of timber or when seeking road repair funding through the SFISH program.
I am completing my RCA and am unsure how to assess my roads. How can I get help?
The RCA Guide is available to assist you in completing an RCA. If additional assistance is needed, you can contact your
local ODF Forester.
Can I reuse an RCA?
You may reuse an RCA that has previously been submitted if there have been no changes to the condition of the forest roads on the parcel.
Do RCAs expire?
While there is no set timeframe in which RCAs expire, SFOs are required to verify the accuracy of an existing RCA when an RCA is resubmitted.
Am I required to fix road issues identified when completing an RCA?
Maybe. Road improvement projects that can be funded by the SFISH Program do not have to be completed without funding from ODF.
Can I continue to use my roads even if road issues are present?
You can continue to use a road unless the road is actively delivering sediment to a water body or has a failing culvert.
How long do I have to complete road repairs?
There is no time limit to complete maintenance or repairs identified through an RCA unless the road is actively delivering sediment to a water body or has a failing culvert.