US Forest Service Sells 2 Million Board Feet of Timber from Firebreaks

The US Forest Service sold approximately 2 million board feet of timber on Thursday, November 5, from trees cut during firebreak construction associated with the McCully Fire near Sumpter, Oregon, The Baker City Herald reported (11-8-26).

The unburned trees were felled along Cracker Creek Road north of Sumpter and near Deer Creek northwest of Sumpter. Both areas were outside the fire perimeter, but fire officials ordered the trees cut to create firebreaks in case the blaze spread.

Jeremy Aujero, ranger for the Whitman District, said the timber was sold in two separate sales, both purchased by Rude Logging of John Day. The Baker City Herald contacted the company on Friday seeking confirmation but had not received a response.

The Cracker Creek sale included approximately 1.3 million board feet of timber, selling for $4.75 per ton, or $38,508 in total. The Deer Creek sale included 604,000 board feet, selling for $5.01 per ton, or $18,587 in total.

Aujero said both sales included white fir, Douglas-fir, and ponderosa pine logs. He was unsure where the timber would be milled.