Oregon Department of Forestry Invests $10 Million in Wildfire Risk Reduction and Forest Health Projects

On Monday, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) announced a $10 million investment in projects aimed at reducing wildfire risk, improving forest health, and protecting communities across Douglas, Grant, Jackson, and Josephine counties.

The projects will reduce hazardous fuels, restore fire-adapted forests, and improve landscape resilience across more than 6,400 acres. The investments include:

• Jackson and Josephine counties: Approximately $4.85 million for the Hotshot Rx Connect project, including forest thinning and prescribed burning across nearly 2,700 acres to reduce hazardous fuels, restore forest health, and improve wildfire response access.
• Grant County: Nearly $3.5 million for the John Day Landscape Resiliency Project, including forest thinning, juniper removal, and planning for continued wildfire risk reduction across 3,400 acres.
• Douglas County: $1.29 million for the Little River Landscape Resiliency Project, establishing strategic fuel breaks along Lane Mountain, the Little River drainage, and Cavitt Creek to improve firefighter access and reduce wildfire intensity.

The funding will also support landscape planning to coordinate priorities among the USDA Forest Stewardship Program, Natural Resources Conservation Service, ODF, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

In a statement, ODF Forest Resources Division Chief Josh Barnard said:

“With more than 2 million acres burned by wildfires in Oregon so far in 2026, this work has become more important than ever. This year’s projects demonstrate what can get done when local communities, landowners, tribes, federal agencies, and partners work toward shared goals—protecting our communities and stewarding natural resources.”