Timmons Group was contracted for the planning, design and implementation of a Forest Activity Electronic Notification and Reporting System (FERNS) application for Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). The final product will require an intuitively designed, user-friendly system that meets the demands of both the State’s clients and also improves internal operations throughout the organization.
The multi-phased project will improve the State’s Notification of Operations and Application for Permit (NO/AP) processing for the Private Forests, and Protection from Fire divisions. In order to provide this level of reporting detail and access, Timmons Group will integrate the new FERNS application with the State’s GIS system, provide a publicly facing interface for notification entry, management, and subscription-based alerts, provide mobile forest activity inspections via iPads, support workload management and formal correspondence for notifications, and provide reporting for both ODF customers and staff.
“We are excited to work with ODF on this high-profile project. With the implementation of the FERNS application, Oregon’s DOF will be able to respond to demands for increased efficiency and management of forest activity submissions, inspection and reporting tools. It’s a common issue facing many forestry agencies and how they work with external partners. ODF is responding to these challenges and is leveraging the newest technical opportunities to meet these demands” Lowell Ballard – Director of Geospatial Solutions for Timmons Group.
Established in 1911, the Oregon Department of Forestry has served the people of Oregon by protecting, managing, and promoting stewardship of Oregon’s forest to enhance environmental, economic, and community sustainability. Some of the specific activities include: fire protection ranging from private land to federal forests, management of state owned forest land for multiple benefits, forestry assistance to private woodland owners, enforcement and education of Oregon Forest Practices Act, as well as resource planning and community/urban forestry assistance.
From GISCafe: https://www10.giscafe.com/nbc/articles/view_article.php?section=CorpNews&articleid=1211474