Bulletin Board
August 1, 2026
Fire Restrictions increasing due to rising fire danger
In addition to the restrictions already in place, the following go into effect August 1, 2026
Regulated Closure August 1, 2026
Fire restrictions will increase on all lands protected by the Walker Range Forest Protective Association (WRFPA), as well as all forestland within one-eighth mile of those protected lands, effective 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
All fire season restrictions that went into effect on June 2, 2026, will remain in effect. The following additional restrictions will become effective August 1, 2026.
Under this Regulated Closure, except as to the owner’s legal right of entry upon their land, entry onto all forestland is unlawful unless entrants comply with the following restrictions:
• Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except inside vehicles on improved roads.
• Fireworks are prohibited.
• Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except at designated areas and at fully developed, landscaped, and maintained residential home sites when used in an area that is clear of flammable vegetation.
• Chain saw use is prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. When allowed, chain saw users must have a shovel and either an 8-ounce or larger fire extinguisher or a charged hose capable of reaching the cutting area at the job site.
• Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal are prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. When allowed, the work site must be cleared of flammable vegetation and other combustible materials, and a water supply must be available at the job site.
• Blasting is prohibited.
• Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are permitted only on improved roads that are free of flammable vegetation, except for activities related to the cultivation and harvest of agricultural crops.
• Firefighting equipment is required while traveling in a motorized vehicle, except on federal and state highways, county roads, and driveways. Vehicles must carry one shovel and one gallon of water, or one operational 2½-pound or larger fire extinguisher. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one operational 2½-pound or larger fire extinguisher.
The Forester may, in writing, approve a modification or waiver of these requirements.
These restrictions shall remain in effect until replaced, suspended, or terminated by an additional proclamation of the Forester.
Maps of the affected area may be viewed at the State Forester’s Office in Salem, Oregon, and at the principal offices of the Forest Protection District.
Definitions of words and phrases used in this proclamation may be found in ORS 477.001 and OAR 629-041
0005.
Fire danger has increased significantly across the region as fuels continue to dry and weather conditions become more favorable for rapid fire growth. August traditionally brings hotter temperatures, lower humidity, and the potential for gusty winds, creating conditions where even a small spark can quickly become a large wildfire.
Everyone who lives, works, or recreates in our forests plays an important role in preventing wildfires. By following these restrictions and remaining vigilant, you can help protect our communities, forests, and firefighters throughout the remainder of the fire season.
Thank you for your continued support, cooperation, and commitment to fire safety.
Closed Fire Season Proclamation May 15, 2026
Regulated Closure – May 15, 2026
Are you Prepared?
Are you prepared in the event of wildfire? There are steps you can take to better prepare you home and property. Steps that can make a difference in one weekend.
Walker Range offers free hazard assessments to landowners within our District boundaries. There are several parts to our grant programs:
- Free weekend residential chipping
- Fuel mitigation assistance
Call today to find out more. 541-433-2451.
Medford Weather Forecast
https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/fire2/?latitude=43.47&longitude=-121.65&latlon=Go&wfo=mfr&interface=fwzones
Walker Range F.P.A. History
On May 31, 1927, owners of Shevlin/Hixon Company, Fremont Land Company, Gilchrist Timber Company and Ralph E Gilchrist met to organize Walker Range Patrol Association. They adopted the By-laws of the organization and elected the Board of Directors. Mr. C. L. Isted of Shevlin/Hixon was elected President and Mr. J. H. Haner was elected secretary.
Walker Range was formed for the preservation of forests generally and particularly for protection from fire, insect depredations, and other purposes.
The principal place of business was in Deschutes County in Bend, Oregon. It would embrace all timber lands of its members in or adjacent to Deschutes River Valley, also other lands over which it may assume cooperative protection within its boundaries.
The assessment rate in 1928 was one cent an acre for each association member. The first operating budget for 1929 was $10,085.00
The contract to protect state forestlands within Walker Range boundaries was signed May 2, 1931.
There were stations at Shevlin Station, LaPine and Crescent. There were lookouts on Pumice, Summit and McCarty Buttes.
In 1936 Walker Range Patrol Association bought LaPine Southern Telephone Company which ran from LaPine to the Fremont Highway near Fort Rock.
In 1938 Walker Range purchased from Gilchrist Timber Company a 4-ton capacity truck and a Caterpillar Cat with winch, lights and a trenching plow for $5800.00. The truck was a federal motor truck and the cat was a model 22.
On December 18, 1939 a contract to protect lands of the Deschutes and Fremont National Forests was signed that was within Walker Range boundaries.
In 1942 the Forest Service started to man McCarty Butte Lookout.
Mr. Isted retired from Shevlin/Hixon and as Walker Range President in 1944. He served as President for 17 years. There have only been six managers of Walker Range from the time of organization until present.
In 1950 Shevlin/Hixon sold the mill and timberlands to Brooks Scanlon.
Walker Range was incorporated in 1928, and in September 13, 1973 new articles of incorporation making the association non-profit were written.
In 1975 the boundary lines of Walker Range were changed, dropping Deschutes County and keeping Klamath and Lake Counties as our northern boundary.
The first major fire on Walker Range protection lands occurred July 15, 1990. That was Spring Butte fire, which burned 945 acres.
Over the years land was sold to the Fremont National Forest.
Gilchrist Timber Company bought the land of Mr. Ralph Gilchrist.
Brooks Scanlon bought Shevlin/Hixon.
Diamond International bought Brooks Scanlon.
Crown Pacific bought Diamond International.
Finally on October 1, 1991 Crown Pacific bought Gilchrist Timber Company making them our largest landowner.
Oregon Department of Forestry bought over 43,000 acres from Fidelity to form the Gilchrist State Forest in 2010. Oregon Department of Forestry purchased the remaining timberlands from The Conservation Fund. Walker Range FPA will continue providing fire protection for these acres.
Called Cascade Forest Resource LLC changed hands and is now Whitefish Cascade Timberlands.
Whitefish Cascade Timberlands changed their company name to Shanda Asset Management, LLC May 2017.
Long time Board Member Chris Johnson retired from Shanda Timberlands Asset December 2024.
