JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (April 25, 2023) – The Forestland Classification Committee for Jackson and Josephine Counties will hold a meeting and work session on Wednesday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. to continue reviewing properties involved in appeals, as well as conduct regular committee business. The meeting is open to the public and a zoom invite and additional information on the process is available online at https://swofire.com/forestland-classification/.
The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District utilizes the forestland classification process to determine which lands are classified as timber or grazing in Jackson and Josephine Counties. Classified lands are assigned a fire patrol assessment that pays for the cost of wildfire protection. At the public meeting, the Jackson and Josephine County Forestland Classification Committee will continue to the process used to update this land classification in the counties.
This project has been ongoing since 2017 with the appointment of a local committee; members include Dave Larson, Max Bennett, Randy White, Charlie Phenix, Mike Hussey, Jake Groves and Marty Main.