Wildfire Protection Plan: The Benton County Board of Commissioners, the Oregon Department of Forestry, and the Fire Defense Board have released an updated Wildfire Protection Plan draft for Benton County. Commissioners got a look at the lengthy document at their Dec. 20 meeting.
The Wildfire Protection Plan draft, for 2023-2028, will serve as a tool for local wildfire suppression and protection services. Agencies assessed the current wildland fire threat throughout the county.
According to the report, the threat of wildland fire appears moderate for Benton County, in large part because of a historically long-duration wet season lasting from October through May. However, for portions of Benton County, depending on conditions in specific developments in the wildland urban interface, the threat may be moderate to high, especially during the dry season from June through September and during periods of drought.
“We have met the minimum criteria in our plan, which is that we have created the document collaboratively,” said Inga Williams with Community Development. “We have identified and prioritized areas field reduction treatments and we’ve placed recommendations in there that homeowners and communities can take.”
The final plan is slated for approval by the board in February following approval by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
Land Use Questionnaire: The City of Corvallis is asking community members to weigh in on land uses throughout the community – what you like, what you don’t like, and what you envision for the future.
The Corvallis Community project is separated into six study areas, and the questionnaires are separated for each. Residents are allowed to fill out one of each of the study areas.
“In order to drill down to specific neighborhoods and areas of Corvallis, the city has been divided into 6 study areas, Areas A through F,” said Nicole Cross. “Community members are encouraged to submit survey responses for any or all study areas they have opinions about. It is important to hear from community members who live, work, pass through, or even don’t really visit certain areas, to get a full vision of the city and those who interact here.”
For more questionnaire information, or to fill one out: Corvallis Community Conversations – Land Use Questionnaire | Corvallis Oregon
By: Jennifer Williams
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