Klamath County approves RFQ to begin fuels-reduction work at Spence Mountain under $164,000 grant

The Klamath County Board of Commissioners on March 10 authorized Public Works to issue a request for quotes for the first phase of a fuels-reduction project at Spence Mountain funded through a previously applied-for $164,000 grant.

Jeremy of Public Works summarized the scope: the overall grant would support roughly 40 acres of fuels reduction on Spence Mountain, about 2.5 miles of roadside vegetation removal to create fire breaks, and approximately one mile of gravel road reconstruction to improve emergency access. For immediate work the department prepared an RFQ for approximately $65,000 of initial tasks focused on trailhead fuel reduction and roadside clearing; bids are due March 31 and a recommended award will return to the board for approval.

Public Works said Spence Mountain has grown as a recreational draw since 2023 and cited an internal cell-phone tracking estimate of about 10,000 annual visitors (roughly 5,000 local and 5,000 from out of the area) and an economic-impact estimate north of $900,000 from nonlocal visitors. The board voted to authorize the public-works director to release the RFQ and fast-track the procurement to preserve favorable weather windows for the work.

The motion passed by voice vote with commissioners signaling assent. Staff will bring a blue-sheet prior-approval and the subsequent award packet back to the board after bids close on March 31.