Wallowa Whitman National Forest, La Grande Ranger District 2026 Fuels Reduction Fall Viewing

The Wallowa Whitman National Forest, La Grande Ranger District is planning a fuels reduction project to improve forest health and resilience, and to provide a safe working environment for firefighters. The project consists of 1,875 acres of lop and scatter thinning, 2,125 acres of thin and hand piling, 1,276 acres of thin and grapple piling, 1,099 acres of mechanical thinning, and 690 acres of RHCA thinning. The project aims to provide strategic defendable space for the Cities of La Grande and Cove, the Starkey Experimental Forest, La Grande Watershed, Mt. Fanny and Mt. Emily radio sites, and Breshears ATV trail system, as well as reducing the impact of wildfire to multiple adjacent private properties, structures, and other values across the La Grande Ranger District. • The project involves various thinning and piling activities to reduce fuel loads and improve forest health. • The project is located within the La Grande Ranger District boundaries in multiple project areas. • The project aims to provide benefits to the local community, including reducing the risk of wildfires and improving air quality. • The project will require specialized equipment and expertise to complete the thinning and piling activities. • The project is expected to have a significant impact on the local environment and ecosystem.