LOC News
Regulatory Framework Delayed for Statewide Wildfire Maps
Since the passage of SB 762 in 2021, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and Oregon State University have led an effort to determine the scope of wildfire hazards across Oregon. This mapping process has met with significant landowner objections over concerns related to the accuracy of the maps and the eventual regulatory burden for defensible space and home hardening.
This week, Governor Kotek issued a letter to legislators signaling continued concerns from landowners on the most recent update to the wildfire hazard maps that went public on January 7. There are roughly 106,000 acres identified in the hazard areas in the wildland-urban-interface across Oregon. To date, just 200 landowner appeals have been submitted. The governor’s letter has effectively paused any deliberations on the appeals until after the legislative session. Landowners with objections can submit appeals through the ODF portal.
Governor Kotek's letter also urges the Legislature to identify a path forward to stabilize wildfire response funding and investments in community resilience funding. To assist with this funding challenge, the report was recently created from a workgroup process that included legislators, agency personnel, and a full spectrum of interests, including the LOC. Eight possible funding options have been identified to close a gap of $260 million per biennium. This includes direct firefighting costs and investments in community resilience programs.
Contact: Jim McCauley, Legislative Director - jmccauley@orcities.org
Last Updated 2/21/25