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Confusion smolders over wildfire regulation By TONY BOOM Mail Tribune Upper Applegate's Warren Merz and Hugo's Mike Walker have never met, but they share the same confusion over new state regulations that would require residents in forested fringes of urban areas to reduce the threat of wildfires. "There's quite a bit of interest when you start talking about what seems to be excessive fines" that Senate Bill 360 would impose on landowners, said Walker. The state Board of Forestry is considering final rules for SB360, passed in 1997. The bill's final hurdle awaits public comment scheduled to begin early next year. The process was delayed because citizen groups are already suggesting changes to the bill, which would require fire hazard reduction on private land. The bill provides for fines of up to $100,000 if the work isn't done and fire spreads as a result. Walker is organizing a meeting with several rural neighborhood groups to discuss the issues on Dec. 19 in either Merlin or Hugo. "As much as I read this, I can't stand up in front of other folks and explain this," said Merz. He's invited an Oregon Department of Forestry representative to explain the draft regulations at a joint meeting of Jackson County granges at the Upper Applegate Grange in January or February. A forum sponsored by the Josephine County commissioners will be held in Anne Basker Auditorium in Grants Pass at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 4. ODF officials and state legislators will be at that session. Jim Wolf, ODF southwest district fire prevention planner, is coordinating the development of SB360's rules. He said public comment already has led to changes that address landowners' liability concerns. Wolf has met with a half-dozen groups in Jackson and Josephine counties to review the draft and answer questions. Communities involved include Sams Valley, Jumpoff Joe Creek, Wolf Creek and Sunny Valley. "The intent of the bill is education and not a big stick that Department of Forestry will hold over people," said Wolf. Jackson and Deschutes counties were selected as pilot sites for SB360. Josephine, Klamath and Douglas counties have been named as other possible pilot sites. That suggestion has Walker concerned because the three counties did not have the public comment that took place in Jackson and Deschutes counties. Wolf anticipates the board will adopt final rules in June or July. Landowners wouldn't be held liable until two years after the rules are adopted. "I think this Quartz Fire made everybody wake up and say 'we've got a major problem out there,'" said Merz. Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.