The U.S. Forest Service Proposes Sweeping Plan to Remove Trees Burned and Killed Along Roads in Selected Oregon Wildfire Areas

A proposed sweeping plan of “treatment” to remove trees burned and killed along roads within the scars of Beachie Creek, Lionshead, and Holiday Farm fire has been proposed by the U.S. Forest Service. There are roughly 550 miles of road within the trio of fires and about 390 are proposed for “treatment” — meaning the cutting dead trees that might fall onto the road in the future. However, some concerned citizens are asking the federal agency to delay until the issue can be studied in greater depth. Dwayne Canfield, executive director of the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center said, “We’re not against removing danger trees where it makes sense. We’re just asking them to take more care and be more transparent about this process. After seeing some of the work they’ve already done to remove hazard trees, especially around Breitenbush, it’s clear that applying blind trust here is risky. Left unmanaged, we worry this process will result in excessive tree removal.” The Forest Service asked for public comments to come in by March 22. However, they can be sent later and will still be considered, officials said.