The proposal calls for forming a cooperative, nonprofit, landowner-directed fire association to provide fire protection for rangelands in portions of Harney County.

The hearing is scheduled Dec. 11 at the Frenchglen Hotel, beginning at 3 p.m.

Rural fire protection associations were authorized by the Oregon Legislature in 1963 to fill a gap in protection for portions of the state. Currently 14 associations are active in Oregon.

--Mitch Lies