July 23, 2021 3:20 a.m.

Staff with the Umpqua National Forest are seeking public comment on a feasibility study to determine the future of the Tiller Ranger Station.

Steve Beri of the Forest Service said infrastructure gaps currently total $11 million in deferred maintenance needs. Beri said in addition, investing in legacy infrastructure will preclude opportunities to innovate or enhance other facilities or services. Beri said in consideration of the compound’s deferred maintenance costs, employee recruitment and retention challenges, and limited telecommunications connectivity, and with public feedback in mind, the Forest aims to take a comprehensive look at how to better invest for the Tiller Ranger Station’s current and future needs.

A release said the feasibility study will examine alternative locations to the current Tiller Ranger Station, although no decisions to move from the current site have yet been made.

An in-person meeting to take input will be held in the Riverside training building at the Tiller Ranger Station on Tuesday August 3rd, at 6:00 p.m. Beri said the event will provide the public with an opportunity to provide feedback to the feasibility study contractor.

For more information, call 541-825-3107.