Blue Mountain National Forests management plans undergo revision

The U.S. Forest Service is revising management plans for the Blue Mountain National Forests, which include the Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman national forests. The proposed 20-year plan aims to restore forest ecosystems, reduce wildfire danger, and increase timber harvests, which the agency estimates will boost local employment in timber processing.

The new proposal seeks to replace the “Eastside Screens” regulations established in the mid-1990s. These rules, specifically the 21-inch diameter breast height limitation, were designed to protect old-growth trees but have been linked to a sharp decline in timber harvests. The new guidelines would shift from strict diameter limits to a model focused on retaining large and old trees while meeting other ecological and economic objectives.

In conjunction with broader management shifts, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is preparing to begin prescribed fire operations. These controlled burns are intended to reduce overgrown vegetation to protect local communities and infrastructure from wildfires. Operations are expected to continue through the fall, pending weather conditions and necessary approvals.