US Forest Service Proposes Accelerated Post-Fire Logging in Central Oregon

The US Forest Service (USFS) is proposing to accelerate post-fire logging on about 5,000 acres of the Deschutes National Forest in Central Oregon, where the Akawa Butte Fire burned this summer, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported (9-22-26).

The agency provided tribes, counties, and the public with a one-week comment period ending Monday, September 21. Similar projects have typically included a 30-day public comment period.

The proposal relies on a newer USFS post-fire recovery policy that allows the agency to move more quickly on logging in recently burned forests. Officials say removing dead and dying trees can reduce future wildfire risk and improve firefighter safety.

“We live in a fire-prone landscape here in Central Oregon; more fires will occur in this area in the future,” Deschutes National Forest spokesperson Kaitlyn Webb said. “Removing dead and dying trees within the Akawa Butte Fire area reduces wildfire risk to adjacent communities and makes it safer for firefighters to respond to future wildfires.”

Earlier this year, the Forest Service issued a broader environmental assessment covering post-fire logging effects across national forests. Individual timber sales have traditionally undergone their own environmental review.