October 13, 2026 3:40 a.m. 

The Oregon Department of Forestry is working to reduce wildfire risk by investing $10 million in projects that are part of the ODF’s landscape resiliency approach.

An ODF release said the current grant awards will fund joint projects in Douglas, Grant, Jackson, and Josephine counties. The projects will reduce hazardous fuels, restore fire-adapted landscapes, and improve landscape resilience across more than 6,400 acres.

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.” Barnard said, “Every responsibly managed acre helps reduce wildfire risk around communities and improves the long-term health of Oregon’s forests and rangelands.”

The ODF landscape resiliency effort is Oregon’s primary all-lands investment hub to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires before fires even start. This approach supports efforts across public, private, and Tribal lands that are part of Oregon’s 20-year landscape resiliency strategy. The goal is to coordinate and complete landscape-scale work that helps forests and protects communities.

The release said this year’s investments continue Oregon’s commitment to put wildfire risk reduction and landscape resiliency dollars to work where it matters most – on the ground.

ODF is focusing on larger forest resiliency by reducing tree density in some areas and planting better adapted trees in others.

In Douglas County, ODF will invest $1.29 million through the Little River Landscape Resiliency Project. This project will create strategic fuel breaks along Lane Mountain, the Little River drainage and Cavitt Creek. These breaks will improve firefighter access and reduce wildfire intensity in high-risk areas.

Landowners and partners interested in participating in future landscape resiliency projects are encouraged to contact the ODF office at: 541-440-3412.