Starker lands are open for public recreation. No gates are open.

Fire Danger increases (9/18/12)

Sep 18, 2012 | News

Due to continued hot and dry conditions, the West Oregon District WO-1 will be moving to an Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) 3 beginning Tuesday, September 18, 2012.

Starker Forests shuts down forest harvest operations when the humidity drops below 30% at the harvest site. Additional restrictions occur when the Oregon Department of Forestry issues a proclamation that we are in IFPL 3. These decisions are evaluated on a daily basis.

What does this mean for the recreational permittee?
As of Wednesday, September 18th, our gates are locked and walk-in/bike-in/ride-in (horse) use is permitted. It is possible that we will keep our gates locked when the upcoming deer season begins on September 29th. It is also possible that we will close our lands completely for all recreation users due to high fire danger. The decision has not yet been made by the managers at Starker Forests and will be dependent on weather. Check back with our website or find us on Facebook or call our office for the current status.

What does this mean for our forest operators?
LEVEL III – Partial Shutdown:

The following are prohibited except as indicated:

· cable yarding – except that gravity operated logging systems employing non-motorized carriages may operate between 8 P.M and 1 P.M. when all blocks and moving lines are suspended 10 feet above the ground except the line between the carriage and the chokers.

· power saws – except power saws may be used at loading sites and on tractor/skidder operations between the hours of 8 P.M. and 1 P.M. local time;

In addition, the following are permitted to operate between the hours of 8 P.M. and 1 P.M. local time:

· Tractor, skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations where tractors, skidders, or other equipment with a blade capable of constructing fireline are immediately available to quickly reach and effectively attack a fire start;

· mechanized loading or hauling of any product or material; blasting;

· welding or cutting of metal;

· any other spark emitting operation not specifically mentioned.

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