Transcript Slide 1

Collaboration on the
Malheur National Forest
Malheur National Forest
• 1.7 Million acres
• Headwaters to Middle,
South and main stem John
Day Rivers
• 88% steelhead spawning in
Middle Fork occurs on the
Malheur N.F.
Malheur National Forest Issues
• Fire adapted ecosystems, frequent fire
• Successful fire suppression policy
• Overgrown forests with too many small trees
Community Impacts
• High unemployment
• Workforce: losing/lost trained workers
• Transition to smaller diameter logs
– New method of business
– New equipment needs/retooling
– Cost is a barrier
Forest Products Industry - Mills
Grant County
 Malheur Lumber Company (John Day)
 Operating since 1980s
 Prairie Wood Products (Prairie City)
 Not operating since 2009
 Grant Western Wood Products (John Day)
 Not operating since 2007
Harney County
 Hines/Louisiana Pacific (Hines)
 Not operating since 2007
BMFP’s Mission
Blue Mountains Forest Partners is:
a diverse group of stakeholders
who work together
to create and implement a shared vision to
improve the resilience and well-being of
forests and communities
in the Blue Mountains
BMFP History
• Began when the County Government invited
conservation interests to Grant County
• Expanded membership gradually:
– include timber interests, ranchers, landowners,
contractors, local government, conservationists,
USFS, tribes
• Set ground rules and decision-making
framework, zones of agreement
• Utilized third-party neutral facilitators
(Sustainable Northwest)
Who is involved?
• County government
• Local community members
• Environmental
stakeholders
• Industry stakeholders
• Local foresters & operators
Project Development
• Developed by BMFP in coordination
with USFS
• Informed by 2 landscape analyses
– Bigger Look
– CFLRP
Projects
•Dads Creek: 7,200 ac.
•Damon: 19,000 ac.
•Soda Bear: 20,000 ac.
•Elk 16: 42,000 ac.
•Big Mosquito: 36,000 ac.
Successes
• Franklin/Johnson/Van Pelt vs. 21” Rule
– Grand fir key
– Moist mixed conifer
• 2011 CFLRP award
– $2.5 million/year x 10 years
• 10-year IRSC stewardship contract
• Zones of Agreement
Successes
• Completed a strategic plan (2013)
• Secured 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
(in process)
• Hired Executive Director (2013)
• Initiated multiparty monitoring
• Litigation-free since 2006!
For More Information:
Vernita Ediger, Executive Director
[email protected]
541-255-7525