Common Questions You Might Ask Federal Land Managers
(and Where To Get the Answers)

Burning

1. How do I find out if it's okay to burn or what the current fire regulations are?

Oregon Department of Forestry handles fire regulations and burn permits on private lands. Up-to-date information is posted on the Southern Oregon ODF website at http://www.odf.state.or.us/swo/.

You may also contact the local ODF office by phone between 8:00 and 4:30 Monday - Friday.

Please contact:
Oregon Dept. of Forestry
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR 97502
(541) 664-3328
fax:(541) 776-6260 Oregon Dept. of Forestry
5375 Monument Drive
Grants Pass, OR 97526
(541) 664-3328 (541) 474-3152
fax:(541) 474-3158

2. Is someone doing prescribed burning on federally-managed land?

The Rogue River National Forest and the Medford District of Bureau of Land Management maintain a recorded announcement of prescribed burn information at 1-800-267-3126.

A web site at http://www.grayback.com/ is attempting to keep a current list of prescribed burns and fire information for the Applegate, also.

3. What if I'm concerned about a "prescribed burn" being out of control?

Call 1-800-267-3126 to see if it is a prescribed burn. If you really feel that there is some danger or the burn is out of control, you should call 911.

4. I'm going camping. Can I have a campfire?

Campfire regulations are specific to the area you are visiting. Find out who owns the campsite, as various parks and campgrounds may have specific restrictions. Be responsible and review the restrictions posted at campgrounds and trailheads. On Forest Service lands, campfires are allowed and no permit is required in Oregon and Washington. However, a permit is required in California and can be obtained at the Applegate Ranger District during the fire season (from approximately May through October).

EMERGENCY

1. I want to report a fire on federal (BLM or USFS) land. Whom do I call?

All emergencies including fires are handled by 911.
During regular business hours: 911
After hours: 911

2. I want to report illegal activity taking place on federal (BLM or USFS) land (hunting out of season, OHV during fire season, etc.).

During regular business hours: 911
After hours: 911

3. I want to report a fire or illegal burning on private land. Whom do I call?

During regular business hours: 911
After hours: 911

4. I want to find out the status of a wildfire that's already burning, but I don't know who's in charge of it.

Call your local fire department (not 911) and ask whom to call for a report.

5. I want to report a lightning-strike fire. Whom do I call?

During regular business hours: 911
After hours: 911
(It's helpful if you know your exact legal location when you call in a possible fire.)

6. I want to report someone illegally fishing. (See answer to #7.)

7. Where do I report hurt or sick wild animals?

The answer to both questions is Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), which handles hunting and fishing issues, as well as wildlife problems, even on federally-managed lands.

ODFW - Southwest Region
4192 N. Umpqua Highway
Roseburg, OR 97470
(541) 440-3353
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/

RECREATION and Other ACTIVITIES

1. How do I find out about federal campgrounds in the area?
2. How do I make reservations?

Contact the Rogue River or Siskiyou National Forest office in Medford:
Telephone: (541) 858-2200.
Websites: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/rogue/ or http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/siskiyou/

3. How can I get a rafting permit for the Wild and Scenic Rogue River?

The Bureau of Land Management, Grants Pass Resource Area, furnishes these permits. Call the Medford District office, 618-2200, or the Grants Pass office, 471-6500, and ask for River Programs. Or call the Rand Visitors Center directly at (541) 479-3735.

The next six questions can best be answered by calling the office of the agency that manages the land you are visiting:

4. Where can I find out about and get a Christmas tree permit?

The Rogue River and Siskiyou National Forests and BLM issue permits for Christmas tree harvesting. Call the front desk at any of these offices for more information:

Rogue River and Siskiyou National Forests: 858-2200
BLM - Medford District: 618-2200

5. Do the agencies have any firewood available?

Rogue River National Forest: Star Ranger Station (899-3800)
Siskiyou National Forest: Galice Ranger District: (541) 471-6500
BLM - Medford District: 618-2200, front desk or Special Forest Products Department

6. What do I need to do to collect mushrooms or materials for wreaths?

Rogue River and Siskiyou National Forests:
* Non-commercial: 858-2200, front desk
* Commercial: contact the specific Ranger District, as listed above (#5)

BLM - Medford District: 618-2200, front desk or Special Forest Products Department

7. What are the regulations for use of bicycle, horse, or OHV trails?

Rogue River and Siskiyou National Forests: 858-2200, front desk or Recreation Department
BLM - Medford District: 618-2200, front desk

8. How do I find out about federal mining claims?

Rogue River & Siskiyou National Forests: 858-2200, ask for Recreation, Lands & Minerals Department
BLM - Medford District: 618-2200, front desk or Mining Specialists

9. How do I find out about grazing on federal lands?

Rogue River & Siskiyou National Forests: 858-2200, Natural Resources Department
BLM - Medford District: 618-2200, Range Department

FEDERAL PLANNING/WORK

Most of these questions are best answered by calling the local office of the agency that is most likely to be managing the land.

1. My land is adjacent to BLM/USFS land. How do I find out about coordinating work efforts (fuel reduction, etc.) with these neighbors?
2. How do I find out about a planned project (BLM/USFS)?
3. How do I comment on a land management project (BLM/USFS)?
4. The work BLM/USFS just did looks great! Or awful! Whom do I call?

Rogue River & Siskiyou National Forests: 858-2200, Planning Department
BLM - Medford District: 618-2200. Request a Resource Specialist for either the Ashland or Grants Pass resource area, where the project is located.

5. Colored flags just appeared on my property, next to some federal land. Whom do I call?

Rogue River and Siskiyou National Forests: 858-2200, front desk or Surveying Department
BLM - Medford District: 618-2200, front desk.

6. Some people just came to my house and asked if they could get access to federal land to survey some plant species. Whom do I call?

Rogue River and Siskiyou National Forests: 858-2200, front desk
BLM - Medford District: 618-2200. Request a Resource Specialist for either the Ashland or Grants Pass resource area, where the project is located, or the Contracting Department

7. Where do I direct comments or complaints about loggers or contractors who are doing work right now on federal land next to my property (BLM/USFS)?

Rogue River and Siskiyou National Forests: 858-2200, ask for Timber/Silvaculture shop
BLM - Medford District: 618-2200. Request a Resource Specialist for either the Ashland or Grants Pass resource area, where the project is located, or a forestry technician.

8. Where do I direct comments or complaints about logging trucks going too fast or making too much noise or dust on the roads?

Call the individual company that owns the trucks (look at the company name on the truck door). Or, if the operation is on federally managed lands, you can contact the local of Forest Service or BLM:

Rogue River and Siskiyou National Forests: 858-2200, ask for Timber/Silvaculture shop
BLM - Medford District: 618-2200, request a Resource Specialist for either the Ashland or Grants Pass resource area, where the project is located, or a forestry technician.