Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Wildland Fire Minute


While the past six months in the Pacific Northwest have been cooler and wetter than normal, June, July, and August are predicted to be warmer than average. We will likely have a slower start to the fire season due to slow melt off of snow at the higher elevations.

Most years, lightning causes the majority of fires in the Pacific Northwest, this year we will have the added human factor of up to a million people visiting Oregon during the peak of fire season to witness the total solar eclipse. We are ramping up our fire prevention efforts with that in mind.

This year, we have a new partner in fire prevention. While we’ve worked with Rangeland Fire Protection Associations in fire suppression efforts for years, we are now embarking on a joint fire prevention campaign. YOU can help as well, by:

• ensuring campfires are cold to the touch before leaving them;
• avoiding parking or driving in dry grass; and
• remembering that fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited on Federal lands.

To learn more about the latest wildland fire conditions in the Pacific Northwest head on over to: http://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/

Video by Michael Campbell, BLM -- Graphics by Matt Christenson, BLM – Featuring Traci Weaver, BLM/U.S. Forest Service

Monday, May 22, 2017

Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) camping information

ODF offers three types of camping opportunities: developed campgrounds, designated dispersed sites, and dispersed camping. All available campground sites have been booked
Dispersed camping
Dispersed camping is allowed in Oregon State Forests with no fee or permit requirements. Campers are required to adhere to ODF regulations regarding placement of campsites, campfires, sanitation, and stay limits. Campfires are not permitted during the regulated use portion of fire season. There is no map of dispersed camp spots.
Basic ODF Camping information
​As general rules: 
  • Don't camp within 25 feet of a river or stream.
  • Don't clear your own campsite or disrupt the natural environment.
  • Take all garbage with you when there are no garbage receptacles.
  • Don't deposit human waste within 100 feet of any campsite, trail or water body.
  • No fireworks.
  • Animals must be on 6 foot leash at all times and animal waste must be disposed of properly.
  • Limit of 8 people and 2 vehicles per campsite​(except in designated group campsites).
​See OAR 629, Division 25​ for a complete list of rules and regulations affecting camping on Oregon State Forests.​​​
Please visit http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Pages/index.aspx for further information.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

From Travel Oregon


Oregon Solar Eclipse Guide

View Guide Online

This limited edition guide provides all the essential details about the 2017 total solar eclipse and the Oregon cities in the path of totality.