NEWS UPDATE FROM STATE REPRESENTATIVE DAVID GOMBERG: Earthquakes, Spraying and Wine

Before spraying, timber operators must file a notice of operations with the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), which oversees the management of state and private forestlands in Oregon. The notification starts a 14-day window for public comment, after which operations can begin. Spraying must be completed within 90 days.

Notification was filed on March 12 by landowner Starker Forests of Corvallis. Matt Thomas, forester for the ODF Toledo unit, characterized the chemicals listed for use as “very standard” in forestry and added that Starker is “following all the rules.” Spraying helps tree seedlings grow in clearcut areas by eliminating competing vegetation.

Starker Forests of Corvallis has notified the state it plans to use drones to spray herbicides on a 37-acre clearcut six miles east of Yachats.

Oregon has recently made changes in forest practices and in particular about spraying setbacks and notification. I supported those changes. They were a long and detailed negotiation between legislators, the industry, and the environmental community. Local advocates have urged me to propose further changes. I must tell you that with new standards, notice requirements, and expanded buffers in place, there is little likelihood of another round of statutory changes next session.

The 1971 Oregon Forest Practice Act and amendments made to it with the 2021 Private Forest Accord — a collaboration between timber industry and conservation groups — requires buffer zones between herbicide applications and surface water, water intakes, homes and schools.

According to the Forestry Department, aerial buffers on forests are a minimum of 75 feet from fish-bearing streams and 50 feet from others. There is an 85-foot buffer for a small stream with salmon, steelhead or bull trout. Non-fish streams have a 10-foot buffer. A 300-foot buffer is required near schools, inhabited dwellings and water intakes.

Hundreds of herbicide applications via backpack sprayer and helicopter have taken place in Lincoln County, according to the state forestry department’s notification records which date back to 2016. What makes the Starker’s notice interesting is that they propose to use drones.

Last summer, I was active in an effort to convince a local landowner to switch from helicopter to backpack spraying. Many considered that change a victory. Others continued to oppose any spraying at all.

Drone operations are similar to backpack spraying in the sense that unlike helicopters which may be 50 feet above the ground, the drones are almost at eye level. Thomas at ODF said, “From what we’ve seen they are very, very precise”.

Again, if you have concerns about spraying, I urge you to submit comments when a notice is filed. If you have evidence pesticides are being used in an illegal or unsafe manner, report your observations to the Pesticides and Fertilizer Complaints program.

Oregon’s wine and wine grape industries are continuing to grow as the market faces lingering challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Oregon Wine Board’s February report.

The 2022 Economic Impact Report, which is published every three years, described Oregon’s vineyards and wine businesses as an economic driver for the state, as the industry brought in $8.1 billion in 2022, compared to $7.2 billion three years prior. That’s income for businesses, households, and government through a mix of core and allied industries.

Tourism was a major contributor, accounting for $758 million in statewide revenues through lodging, dining, and other activities — excluding sales from tasting rooms. However, Oregon wine tourism saw a 15% decrease from 2019 spending of $893 million, the report showed. Researchers said, “the pandemic’s shadow remains on Oregon’s economy and wine industry, though it is fading.” However, consumers who did go to tasting rooms bought more premium-priced wine, which led to higher expenditures per winery visitor.

Read more here.

This is all interesting data as I continue my work as co-chair of the Legislative Wine Caucus. And I was both honored and proud this year to receive the Oregon Wine Leadership Award from the Oregon Winegrowers Association (OWA). Andy Steinman, OWA President, presented the award.

“Representative Gomberg has been a longstanding champion for Oregon’s wine industry starting in his youth with clearing vineyard land to his years in the Legislature supporting Oregon winegrowers and producers through outstanding policy work”. That policy work included wine labeling fraud, smoke taint response, research investments, tax collections on grapes sent out-of-state, and response to ads discouraging wine purchases. Next up: should wine bottles be subject to the Oregon Bottle Bill?

The Oregon Wine Leadership Award: An award given in recognition of outstanding leadership in promoting the Oregon wine industry through public policy initiatives.

Oregon state Rep. David Gomberg holds wine packaging that became controversial among Oregon winemakers. Pinot does not grow here and Umpqua – Willamette and Rogue are not on the Coast!

Oregon’s wine industry represents an important and vibrant nexus between so many cherished sectors of our economy. From agriculture to hospitality, Oregon wine creates jobs, drives economic growth, and embodies the rich, entrepreneurial spirit of this great state.