The City of Yachats monitors Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Notice of Operations/Permit to Operate Power-Driven Machinery (NOAP) via the Ferns Notification system. NOAP 2024-553-08508 was Submitted June 10, 2024, and Reported to the public on June 12, 2024.
This NOAP (below) is a permit to log twenty acres in the Yachats viewshed and in part adjacent to city limits. Logging can commence 15 days after submittal. Citizens can include comments to the NOAP. The City has expressed its concerns via the Ferns/NOAP process and via email to the ODF forester. Note that many of the City’s concerns are outside the scope of the NOAP as Oregon Foresty Practices govern what can be addressed in s NOAP. But the comments were included as a matter of record.
Additionally, the City has been in discussions with the landowner to explore alternatives to clearcut logging. However, given that Oregon Forest Practices rules favor the landowner and logging rights, the city is at a disadvantage. That said, the landowner has expressed willingness to discuss alternatives. These alternatives require cooperation of multiple agencies and, as the property is outside the city limits, may limit what the city can do. Discussions are ongoing at this time.
The City of Yachats has the following concerns with Oregon Department of Forestry NOAP 2024-553-08508, Clemente.
- City Infrastructure: The property abuts the city of Yachats. Erosion and water runoff could impact our underground infrastructure, streets including increased stormwater runoff, and private residences. A plan must address potential downhill flows and resulting costs to the City of Yachats infrastructure or private homes. The plan must protect the city and private homeowners’ rights and permitting be delayed until an analysis is completed.
- Slash Burning: The permit calls for burning slash - a hazard so close to homes. Alternate slash treatments are more appropriate for a project adjacent to an urban area. The plan must include an alternative to slash burning.
- Reforestation: The NOAP does not address reforestation. The Yachats area and indeed the same hillside has experienced “cutting and running” with inadequate oversight from the Department of Forestry. Reforestation planning and enforcement planning must be an integral part of this NOAP and the ensuing plan including appropriate surety bonding.
- Protection of the Yachats River: The proposed logging will partially steeply drain to the Yachats River – a Salmon bearing stream. (A slope of as much as 40 degrees over one thousand feet). The city’s mission statement includes protecting our natural environment. Although the river is not directly in the logging area, the NOAP should include the Yachats River and the ensuing plan must specifically ensure that the river is adequately protected.
- Archeological Analysis: The city deeply respects native people’s history and has incurred significant costs and delays to do archeological surveys for city projects. The applicant should be required to complete an archeological survey prior to logging activity.
- Economic Impact: The appeal of Yachats as a destination site will be diminished as this project will directly impact our viewshed. Additionally, private homeowners’ property value will decrease with revenue implications for the city and county. The NOAP is mute on the topic. A completed plan must address ways to mitigate these costs for the City of Yachats.