Weekly Update - July 9, 2021
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General Operation Updates
A few weeks ago hazard tree removal operations on OR 224 were temporarily moved upriver to avoid disturbing a pair of Peregrine falcons and their three chicks that hatched in the steep Big Cliffs area. We are happy to report that all three chicks have fledged and are learning to hunt and fly on their own. The average survival rate for a Peregrine clutch at this nesting site is one to two, so these baby birds continue to beat the odds and prove that wildlife is coming back after this devastating fire.
By the Numbers
Step 2 of removing tree hazards began in December 2020 and will progress through multiple impacted areas simultaneously. We estimate it will take 6-18 months to complete all properties. In total, this work will require marking and cutting more than 150,000 hazard trees and removing ash and debris from nearly 1,400 participating properties.
Below is a summary of the work that has been completed thus far:
Current “By the Numbers” updates are available on the debris and tree removal data dashboard. The interactive status map on the same page provides a visual of all work underway.
Northern Operations
Beachie Creek/Lionshead Fire areas
Santiam River corridor, primarily in Marion and Linn counties, Highway 22 and adjacent area
Debris removal 45% complete; hazard tree removal 35% complete
Echo Mountain Fire area Lincoln County, Lincoln City area, Highway 18 and adjacent area Debris removal 86% complete; hazard tree removal 61% complete
(remainder of trees are primarily on property sites participating in the state program)
Holiday Farm Fire area Lane County, McKenzie River area, Highway 126 Debris removal 58% complete; hazard tree removal 70% complete
Riverside Fire area Estacada area, Clackamas County, Highways 224 and 211 Debris removal 77% complete; hazard tree removal 18% complete
Due to falling rocks, hazard trees on steep slopes and other safety hazards, Highway 224 remains closed.
Southern Operations
Almeda Drive Fire area
Medford/Talent/Phoenix, Jackson County, Highway 99 and Interstate 5
Debris removal 83% complete; hazard tree removal 62% complete
(remaining hazard trees primarily on private properties participating in the program)
Archie Creek Fire area Douglas County, Highway 138 Debris removal 86% complete; hazard tree removal 32% complete
South Obenchain Fire area Jackson County, northeast of Eagle Point, Highways 62 and 140 Debris removal 59% complete; hazard tree removal N/A
Crews expect to quickly complete work on the approximately 17 home sites participating in the program.
Thielsen Fire area Eastern Douglas County, Highway 138 Debris removal N/A; hazard tree removal 86% complete
242 Fire area Klamath County, Highways 62 and 97 Debris removal 0% complete; hazard tree removal 0% complete
Local parks have been reopened through state hazard tree removal efforts.
Air Quality Monitoring Report | 6/28 - 7/4
Local environmental health is one of our top priorities. In addition to conducting required asbestos testing in an efficient manner for all debris removal home sites, state contractors are visually monitoring and controlling dust to protect air quality during ash and debris cleanup work. If dust issues occur, our crews will stop work and fix the issue before resuming to protect public health. You can view the latest soil sampling FAQs on our news page. Questions about dust from private contractors are not part of state cleanup work and can be directed to local city and county public health departments.
Each week, contractors report their visual monitoring results, and the testing labs report their sample test results for active work areas. Recent results include:
Almeda Fire
Number of properties that had air sampling: 1
Number of air samples collected: 3
Results above action level: 0
Visual monitoring: no recorded dust levels that exceeded action levels
Beachie Creek Fire
Number of properties that had air sampling: 2
Number of air samples collected: 4
Results above action level: 0
Visual monitoring: no recorded dust levels that exceeded action levels
Obenchain Fire
Number of properties that had air sampling: 2
Number of air samples collected: 5
Results above action level: 0
Visual monitoring: no recorded dust levels that exceeded action levels
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The “action level” is the threshold for action at a site, or from a lab test result. Learn more about action levels, how we control dust and test air samples in our air quality monitoring FAQ.
For specific air quality monitoring data, email Liz McIntire with the Debris Management Task Force at elizabeth.mcintire@odot.oregon.gov.
If you have questions about hazard tree removal in your community, our hotline can help point you in the right direction. Please access information from your local county government first, and then call our hotline at 503-934-1700 if you need more information.
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