Forestland Classification Project

Wildfire Protection in Benton County

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is responsible for protecting public and private forestland from fire, including millions of acres in the Wildland-Urban Interface where houses and other structures lie within the reach of wildfire. ODF's West Oregon Forest Protection District provides that protection in Benton, Lincoln, and Polk Counties as well as portions of Yamhill and Tillamook counties.

Forestlands in the Benton County portion of the West Oregon Forest Protection District have been part of the Department of Forestry's protection responsibility for many decades; however a formal classification determination for forestland in the District has not been done until now. Forestland Classification determines which lands within the District boundary are protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Classified forestlands are assessed for fire protection through their annual property tax statement to support that service.

The purpose of this website is to provide Benton County residents with information about the current Forestland Classification Review process, timely notice of the next meeting and information and links about fire prevention and protection.