ODFW News: Fire Access Restrictions

[stick flicker]

Whats new, I have been bowhunting in Oregon for the last 6 years and can't remeber a wet summer when they didn't close the commercial tree farms. It upsets me that I can't hunt some of these drainages that are wild lands, because a cooperation says so. Most of the lands are leased from the public anyways through the BLM. Which is the single largest timber company in America. So to make a long story short I have started hunting more National Forest land and not getting so mad everytime the gate is locked or a threatening sign is posted warning of electronis surveylance and such. What else can a person do?

[Pete]

For Immediate Release Thursday, August 28, 2003

Fire access restrictions may require changing hunting plans

SALEM - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reminds hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts to check with local land management agencies about road closures and fire restrictions as they head out for Labor Day weekend activities. Active fires burning in northeast and central Oregon, as well as high fire danger in other areas, has led to road closures.

Phone numbers and links to land management agencies statewide are posted to the ODFW Web site to give hunters easy access to the information. The Web address is http://www.dfw.state.or.us/Fire/2003_fire_drought.htm .

Many general season bow hunters will start their deer and elk hunts this weekend. In addition, hunts are ongoing for cougar, bear and pronghorn.

ODFW does not close hunting seasons due to fire danger. However, hunters may need to hunt in a different area if their favorite hunting spot is the site of an active fire or a private landowner has closed access due to fire danger. Hunters also should be ready to walk on closed roads and have fire safety equipment in camp or in their vehicles.

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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Contact: Anne Pressentin Young (503) 947-6020
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us Fax: (503) 947-6009

[GutshotApe]

Originally posted by stick flicker:
Most of the lands are leased from the public anyways through the BLM. Which is the single largest timber company in America.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">According to the 2003 edition of Forest Fact Book, published by the Oregon Forest Resources Institute, Oregon's forests are owned by:
1) state, county and municipalities 4%
2) large commercial timberland owners 22%
3) non-industrial private owners 16%
4) Indian tribes 1%
5) federal 57% (about 25% USFS, 25% BLM, the rest USF&WS, National Park service)