PUBLIC LANDS
Following a highly competitive national application process for funding under the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP), the US Department of Agriculture awarded $3 million to implement the Northern Blues CFLRP Proposal in fiscal year (FY) 2021, which started October 1, 2020. The project is approved for funding for up to ten years, depending on appropriation levels from Congress and reauthorization of the CFLRP program in 2023.
The proposal was developed by the Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests with diverse partners who bring a strong record of cross-boundary restoration spanning Northeastern Oregon and Southeastern Washington.
Because of the long‐term suppression of naturally occurring wildfires and past management that removed fire-tolerant trees, the forests and communities of the northern Blue Mountains face increasing risk of severe wildfires. Therefore, the partners united around two common goals:
(1) improve wildfire resilience
(2) restore more natural processes to forests and watersheds
The objective of this work, whether through thinning or prescribed fire, is to enhance forest health and resilience. These projects will benefit many areas on the National Forests that are not commercially viable and contain small diameter trees. In addition, some projects may also provide economic benefits and products. Work would occur in areas that are at risk from wildfires, such as areas adjacent to private lands and municipal watersheds, and other important locations. Treatments would maintain and enhance old trees and existing old-growth stands.
To learn more about projects happening explore this interactive map or check out our projects page.