Oregon Forest Industries Council advocates for funding wildfire mitigation strategies

The Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue convened on April 7, 2025, to discuss critical funding strategies aimed at addressing Oregon's escalating wildfire challenges. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders emphasizing the urgent need for proactive investments in wildfire mitigation.

The session began with a compelling statement from a representative advocating for immediate financial commitments to combat the growing wildfire threat. Citing a recent study from Northern Arizona University, the speaker highlighted that every dollar invested in wildfire risk reduction yields a return of seven dollars in benefits. This statistic underscored the importance of allocating resources effectively to safeguard Oregonians and their communities.

Following this, Michael Eliason, representing the Oregon Forest Industries Council, addressed the committee regarding Senate Bill 1177. He articulated the pressing need for stable funding to tackle increasingly severe wildfire seasons, which pose significant risks to forest landowners and the timber industry. Eliason pointed out that many large fires often start on federal lands and spread to private properties, creating financial burdens for landowners.

Eliason noted that over the past decade, various work groups have explored sustainable funding solutions beyond the state's general fund and existing landowner contributions. A recent collaborative effort involving 35 individuals from diverse backgrounds aimed to identify viable revenue sources for both wildfire suppression and mitigation. This process culminated in six potential funding options, one of which proposes diverting the state's kicker tax to establish a fund dedicated to community adaptation and wildfire mitigation efforts.

The discussions during the meeting highlighted a consensus on the necessity of innovative funding mechanisms to ensure the safety and resilience of Oregon's communities against wildfires. The committee's deliberations will likely influence future legislative actions aimed at enhancing wildfire preparedness and response strategies in the state.