Harney County court asks county counsel to draft countywide appeal of state wildfire hazard map

Harney County Court directed county counsel Feb. 19 to draft comments and a countywide appeal of the Oregon wildfire hazard map, citing perceived inaccuracies and the potential effect on property development and economic activity.

What the court requested: Commissioners said the map labels developed or developable parcels as high‑hazard areas in a manner that could deter economic investment and make it difficult for the county to pursue industrial and residential projects. "Who's going to want to build a house or buy a piece of property that's rated as high risk?" Commissioner Frank said while showing mapped areas that included an industrial parcel near the B Street expansion and proposed Miller Springs development.

Next steps and timeline: County counsel was asked to coordinate with attorney(s) who have handled similar appeals and to prepare a draft for the court to review. Commissioners asked that counsel provide a draft by the March 5 county court session so the court can decide whether to sign and submit an appeal in time for the March 10 deadline staff cited. The court also discussed coordinating with the Eastern Oregon Counties Association and other counties that have submitted or plan to submit appeals.

Why it matters: County officials said a countywide appeal carries more weight for landowners and developers than isolated individual appeals and could help ensure the final map takes local conditions and development status into account. Commissioners also noted prior appeals by eastern Oregon counties and the possible need for a county‑level correction mechanism.

Status: No final submission had been made during the Feb. 19 meeting; county counsel was asked to prepare the draft comments and the court will consider them at its March 5 meeting.