Governor Tina Kotek directs Oregon Department of Forestry to pause appeals process for Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map until after legislative session

Eugene, OR – Governor Tina Kotek has directed the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to continue accepting appeals of the Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map until the March 10 deadline, but to pause referring these appeals to the Office of Administrative Hearings until after the conclusion of the legislative session, which must end no later than June 29.

This decision allows the Legislature to review and deliberate on changes to the map without the potential complications of ongoing appeals through the Office of Administrative Hearings. The pause also helps prevent Oregonians who appeal their wildfire hazard zone designation from facing potentially unnecessary legal fees between March and June, should the Legislature decide to make changes to the map.

Governor Kotek emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns raised by Oregonians regarding the wildfire hazard map and the need for long-term sustainable funding for wildfire response and mitigation. The pause will enable a transparent and public process to address these critical issues.

Residents wishing to appeal the assignment of wildfire hazard zones must still submit their appeal to ODF by March 10, 2025. Attorneys are not required for this first step. If the Legislature does not make any changes to the map or appeals process, ODF will proceed with the appeals process after the session ends.