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OWEB’s FIP update highlights forest-disturbance needs and connectivity maps
Summary
Staff proposed adding landscape-scale disturbance and wildlife connectivity as cross-cutting limiting factors in the dry-forest priority and presented a 2023 USFS-derived map showing percent of watershed needing disturbance-based restoration.
Eric Cartstein, identified in committee roll call as OWEB’s senior policy coordinator, summarized proposed changes to the dry-type forest ecological priority. The update emphasizes two cross-cutting themes: eligibility for restoration actions that address large-scale post-disturbance needs (for example wildfire or flood response) and incorporation of wildlife-habitat connectivity using ODFW mapping.
Cartstein said staff will allow partnerships to request adjustments to board-approved work plans if a disturbance such as wildfire occurs within a FIP boundary; those adjustments would require a formal request to the board. He also showcased a 2023 map (U.S. Forest Service/University of Washington) showing percent of watershed in need of disturbance-based restoration, noting that the map depicts conditions on the ground and does not by itself determine eligibility to apply.
Committee members asked how the map treats wilderness or federally managed lands; staff replied the map is based on conditions and does not make distinctions by ownership or management. Staff said they will provide refined maps and language in the October materials and reiterated that partnerships must work with local partners when interpreting basin-scale mapping.
