Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision open for public comment

The public comment period for the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision is currently open, with a deadline for submissions set for September 30. The plan is intended to guide the long-term management of the Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman national forests.

Proposed changes under the U.S. Forest Service’s Alternative 2 have drawn criticism regarding resource output and land access. Critics note that Alternative 2 projects approximately 27% less timber output and 34% lower grazing levels compared to the 1990 forest plans being replaced.

Concerns have also been raised regarding motorized access. While the Forest Service states that specific travel management will occur at a later date, the proposed plan establishes Recreation Opportunity Spectrum settings and transportation directions that could influence future decisions regarding road closures and motorized use areas.