Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests
Crooked River National Grassland

Local Area News Releases

Public Invited to Propose Forest Projects -- Application Workshop Scheduled

BEND, OREGON - February 10, 2005

Applications are now available for the public to propose natural resource projects that would benefit the Deschutes or Ochoco National Forests. A workshop to assist in preparing project proposals is scheduled March 2.

Under Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, also known as the “Payments to Counties” program, the Deschutes-Ochoco Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will recommend how to invest approximately $1 million this year to enhance local forests. The committee of Central Oregon residents will make recommendations from a pool of projects submitted in response to this call for proposals.

This is an opportunity for citizens, community organizations and local governments to propose projects that improve the health of forests and watersheds. Projects may include obliterating or maintaining roads, trails, or existing infrastructure, restoring fish and wildlife habitat, removing noxious weeds, improving soil productivity, reducing hazardous fuels and reestablishing native species.

A workshop to answer questions and provide tips on completing the application will be held Wednesday, March 2, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at the office of Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC), 2363 Glacier Place, Redmond. Call Kelly Elzner (541) 548-9544 for directions to the workshop.

Applications are available at www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/partnership/rac-index.shtml and at Ochoco National Forest Headquarters, 3160 NE 3rd Street, Prineville; Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, 1230 NE 3rd Street, Bend; Crescent Ranger District, 136471 Highway 97 N, Crescent; Sisters Ranger District, Pine Street & Highway 20, Sisters; Crooked River National Grassland, 813 SW Highway 97, Madras; COIC, 2363 Glacier Place, Redmond and other COIC offices in Central Oregon.

Applications are due April 1, 2005. Mail or deliver to: ATTN: Laurel Skelton, Ochoco National Forest, 3160 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, Oregon 97754. For additional information, contact Kyrie Murphy, Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests, at (541) 383-5522 or Kelly Elzner, COIC, (541) 548-9544.

Media Contacts:

• Larry Timchak (541) 416-6625
• Scott Aycock (541) 548-9525