ODF Awards $150k to Help Reduce Wildfire Risk in the BBS Watershed

• June 10, 2024 | Category: Water Resources

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has announced that it has awarded $150,000 in funding to Southern Oregon’s Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, for forest restoration treatment work that will reduce wildfire risk on 20,000 acres of the Big Butte Springs (BBS) watershed, the year-round source of water for Medford and the surrounding communities of our partner cities.

The award comes through the Planning Assistance and Categorical Exclusion funds, administered by ODF’s Federal Forest Restoration program, and will fund the Snowy Butte Forest Restoration Project to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire in the watershed.

Medford Water is proud to operate and maintain the water system that delivers high-quality drinking water to around 150,000 Rogue Valley residents. BBS has been our primary source of drinking water since 1927 and is one of our community’s most valuable and significant resources. We recognize the need to reduce wildfire risk, and this work is part of our Vision to be the Rogue Valley’s trusted municipal water provider for present and future generations; through responsible stewardship, accountability, and the pursuit of excellence.

In addition to our organization and ODF, the project has enjoyed significant support and collaboration from other local partners, including The Nature Conservancy and American Forest Resource Council, among others.

View ODF’s full press release here.