The prevention and suppression of forest fires on forestlands for the preservation of forest resources and the continuous growth of timber on lands suitable therefor are declared to be the public policy of the State of Oregon. The Legislative Assembly recognizes that:
(1) The forested areas situated within eastern Oregon predominate in Ponderosa pine trees and associated species, and that the forested areas situated within western Oregon predominate in Douglas fir and associated species;(2) Because of this difference in species, different forest fire protection problems exist in eastern and western Oregon, and different logging conditions and circumstances in each necessitate varied forest practices in the disposal of forest slashings and debris; and(3) Therefore, in order to give recognition to such differences and their effect on the accomplishment of the public policy stated in this section, certain classifications of forestlands within the State of Oregon are established by ORS 321.005 to 321.185 and 321.560 to 321.600. 1957 c.309 §2; 2005 c. 94, § 100