February 15, 2022 3:20 a.m.

The Oregon Department of Forestry has issued $5 million in grants authorized by Senate Bill 762.

A release from the Oregon Department of Forestry said awards are to owners of small forestlands for reducing the risk of high-severity wildfire through the reduction of hazardous fuels.

Approximately $4.2 million was awarded to 23 proposals submitted through grant sponsors, supporting over 600 landowners treating nearly 4,000 acres across Oregon.

Approximately $800,000 was awarded to 20 active Firewise USA communities in good standing that are outside of urban-growth boundaries. Awards are up to $75,000 per community and target treating over 2,000 acres through a variety of treatment approaches.

The release said details of the proposals and awards for both small forestland owners and Firewise USA communities can be found at: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Pages/sb762.aspx