Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wildfire Recovery topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Longhorn Ridge homeowners ask Crook County for help with wildfire cleanup
Summary
Homeowners in the Longhorn Ridge neighborhood asked Crook County commissioners to ease the cost of post‑wildfire cleanup, proposing a waiver of landfill tipping fees and assistance with weed abatement; county staff and commissioners said they will explore lower‑cost alternatives before approving fee waivers.
Homeowners from the Longhorn Ridge neighborhood on Aug. 6 asked the Crook County Board of Commissioners to help cover cleanup costs after the Highland wildfire damaged vegetation on roughly two dozen properties.
The request, presented by resident Bob Humphreys, asked the county to waive landfill dump fees for yard debris and to coordinate weed‑abatement support, citing limited insurance coverage for this type of damage. “On behalf of the entire Longhorn Ridge neighborhood, we are truly — we truly appreciate the tremendous response, effort, organization, and professionalism of all the agencies involved in fighting and preventing the further spread of the Highland Fire,” Humphreys said.
Why it matters: Residents say out‑of‑pocket costs — for hauling burned trees, brush and other vegetation — are substantial and that waiving tipping fees would reduce the immediate financial burden and lower future fire risk. Commissioners and staff signaled support for cleanup but said there may be lower‑cost options that should be explored before changing fee policy.
County staff and at least two commissioners discussed alternatives. One staff member suggested working with Crook County Fire and Rescue on managed burns or coordinating with a private solar facility planning a burn later this year to accept debris piles. Another speaker noted the county’s landfill must pay to ship hauled material, and suggested bringing chippers in to process piles on site as an alternative to hauling.
Speakers also raised practical limits and environmental considerations. One participant described waiting periods used after juniper removal on a ranch — “we had to wait three years for the oil to dissipate, and then we went ahead” — noting that burn timing can affect smoke and emissions. Commissioners asked residents to share contact information so staff can explore the options and report back.
No formal action was taken. Commissioners said they wanted staff to investigate options including managed burns, chipping, and coordination with private partners before considering a waiver of landfill fees.
Next steps: Staff indicated they will follow up with residents and coordinate with Crook County Fire and Rescue and other partners to identify practical, lower‑cost cleanup methods and possible weed‑abatement assistance.
