PUBLIC HEARING ON LOWER BRIDGE RANGELAND FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION

PUBLIC HEARING ON LOWER BRIDGE RANGELAND FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION WHAT: Public hearing on proposal to include designated lands in the Oregon Wildfire Protection System. WHEN: 7:00 pm on March 28, 2022 WHERE: Community Hall, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, 301 South Elm Street, Sisters, OR 97759 WHY: The area currently has no fire protection services available for privately owned lands. WHO: Interested members of the public are invited to attend and give testimony. MORE INFO: Public comment is sought on the proposal to: 1) include the Lower Bridge Rangeland Fire Protection Association area into the Oregon Wildfire Protection System, and 2) develop an agreement with the Lower Bridge Rangeland Fire Protection Association to provide fire protection to rangelands in portions of northwest Deschutes County and southwest Jefferson County. The Association would operate in cooperation with the Oregon Board of Forestry. Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) staff will provide background on the proposal and answer questions. A report of the public testimony will then be provided to the Board for review prior to its consideration of the Lower Bridge Rangeland Fire Protection Association proposal at its next meeting. If the proposal is ultimately approved by the Board, the new fire protection association would be directed and managed by local rangeland owners. Associations prepare annual budgets for review by the Board. Operating funds for Association activities typically are derived from annual dues assessed by an association on its members. Grants provided through ODF may provide supplemental funding. Rangeland fire protection associations were authorized by the Oregon Legislature in 1963 to fill a gap in protection for portions of the state that do not lie within a rural fire protection district or an ODF forest protection district. There are currently twenty-four active Rangeland Fire Protection Associations operating in Oregon. To ensure the broadest range of services to individuals with disabilities, lead-time is needed to make necessary arrangements. If special materials, services or assistance is required, please contact Marvin Vetter at the Oregon Department of Forestry office in Prineville at least 48 hours in advance, Marvin Vetter (541) 912-6695. Publish: March 16, 23, 2022 MP236016

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