Klamath/Lake Forest Health Partnership outlines $12 million private‑lands restoration, 350 acres completed

Autumn Muir of the Klamath/Lake Forest Health Partnership and partner agencies briefed the board on a multi‑partner restoration and fuels‑reduction initiative covering private and public lands in Lake County.

Muir said the partnership is organized as a 501(c)(3) and secured a six‑year, $12 million Focus Investment Partnership grant for private‑land restoration. The first biennium (July 2024–June 2026) funds five sub‑grants for technical assistance, stakeholder engagement, restoration implementation and monitoring; a monitoring grant remained pending approval.

Project work to date includes 350 acres completed with another 1,200 acres in progress and 2,700 acres planned pending access‑road improvements. Landowner engagement and contractor bids are in place; the partnership is contracting with the Oregon Department of Forestry and Lakeview Fire Department to burn piled fuels rather than leaving removal entirely to landowners. Muir highlighted ecological benefits (reappearance of springs, increased forage and bird habitat) and local economic impacts (use of local contractors, hotel and restaurant spending during project work).

Speakers described efforts to expand technical assistance, hire a cost‑shared forester, and hold workshops for landowners on land management planning, invasive weeds and prescribed fire. Monitoring protocols (ecological, social and economic) are being developed with University of Oregon and other partners.

Board members thanked presenters and asked staff to keep the county apprised as projects move from planning into larger‑scale implementation.