Salem, Oregon – Governor Tina Kotek has recently ordered the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to stop sending appeals related to the Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map to the Office of Administrative Hearings. This decision came after numerous concerns from Oregonians about the accuracy of the map and its potential impact on property values and insurance costs.
The Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map is a tool designed to highlight areas at high risk of wildfires. However, many residents believe that the map contains errors, which could lead to increased insurance rates and a decrease in property values for homeowners in designated areas. Governor Kotek’s move aims to address these concerns and allow the public to express their opinions while the Oregon Legislature reviews the map’s criteria.
As part of the governor’s action, appeals can still be filed with the ODF, but they won’t be forwarded to the Office of Administrative Hearings until the end of the current legislative session, which is expected to run until 2025. This will give the Oregon Legislature time to discuss the map’s design and consider potential changes without the pressure of ongoing legal battles.
“The concerns Oregonians have raised about the Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map are valid, and this pause will allow us to address these concerns carefully,” Governor Kotek said. “It’s important that we ensure a fair and transparent process as we examine how to better manage wildfire risks in the state.”
The governor’s decision is intended to avoid conflicts and unnecessary legal costs while the legislature works on revisions to the wildfire map. By halting the appeals process temporarily, the goal is to allow for a thorough public examination and discussion of the map without the complexities of ongoing litigation.
While appeals cannot be forwarded during this period, residents still have the opportunity to file appeals directly with the ODF. These appeals must be submitted by March 10, 2025. It’s important to note that legal representation is not required at this stage; the aim is simply to ensure that all appeals are formally recorded and ready for further review.
The governor emphasized that this move is part of a broader effort to address not only wildfire risks but also long-term funding for wildfire response and mitigation. The decision to pause the appeals process aligns with the urgent need for a balanced approach to wildfire prevention and emergency response.
“This is about taking the necessary steps to protect both lives and lands,” Governor Kotek added. “We need to make sure the right decisions are made with the best information available, and that requires a careful and inclusive process.”
If the Oregon Legislature chooses not to amend the wildfire hazard map or change the appeals process during this session, the ODF will begin sending the appeals to the Office of Administrative Hearings after the legislative session concludes. This will ensure that the appeals process continues as it is currently defined by law, but with the added benefit of a more comprehensive and public examination.
Governor Kotek’s strategy seeks to balance the need for quick action on wildfire dangers with the need for a fair and thorough legislative process. The goal is to ensure that every Oregonian’s concerns are heard and that any policy changes are made based on accurate and up-to-date information.
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