Covering over 5 million acres in northeast Oregon, the Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests contain some of Oregon's most rugged and awe-inspiring country.

From the craggy depths of Hells Canyon to the majestic views of the Elkhorn Range, the forestlands of northeast Oregon are truly special. This area is home to old-growth Ponderosa pine, sub-alpine forests of hemlock and Douglas fir, and species ranging from Rocky Mountain elk to cougar.

The forest planning process

For years, the Forest Service has been working to update the plan that guides management for these national forests -- the Blue Mountains Forest Plan. Oregon Wild and our conservation allies have worked during the development of the plan revisions to ensure protections for roadless areas, Wilderness, and wildlife are included. Sadly, as drafted, the plan falls far short of the needed protections.

No where is the plan more deficient than in the recommended Wilderness category. Of the 1.8 million acres of Wilderness-quality lands identified by the conservation community, the Forest Service is recommending only 1% of those to be safeguarded with the highest level of federal protection. Read more about the Wilderness and Wild & Scenic recommendations in a letter we sent to the Forest Service.

Your chance to get involved

Comment on the plan here using our automated letter!

These lands belong to all Americans and we all have a say in how they are managed. Now that the Blue Mountains Plan is out, the public can comment by writing a letter or by attending a public meeting. Check out the schedule below or send your comments to:

Katie Countryman, Team Leader
(541) 523-1246

E-Mail: blue_mtn_planrevision@fs.fed.us

Mailing Address:
Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision
P.O. Box 907
Baker City, OR 97814

Meeting schedule:

• April 6 - 5:00 – 8:00 p.m Federal Building, Juniper Hall, 431 Patterson, John Day, OR
• April 7 - 5:00 – 8:00 p.m Harney County Senior & Community Services Center, 17 S. Alder St., Burns, OR
• April 13 - 5:00 – 8:00 p.m Pendleton Convention Center, Rooms 3 & 4, 1601 Westgate, Pendleton, OR
• April 14 - 5:00 – 8:00 p.m Saint Patrick Senior Center, 182 N. Main, Heppner, OR
• April 15 - 5:00 – 8:00 p.m Public Use Building - Columbia Co. Engineer’s Office, 1 No. Pine, Dayton, WA
• April 20 - 5:00 – 8:00 p.m Sunridge Inn, One Sunridge Lane, Baker City, OR
• April 21 - 5:00 – 8:00 p.m Eastern Oregon University, One University Blvd, Hoke Hall, Room 309, La Grande, OR
• April 22 - 5:00 – 8:00 p.m Civic Center, 102 E 1st St., Joseph, OR
• April 28 - 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Red Lion Convention Center, 1021 NE Grande Ave., Portland, OR
• April 29 - 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Franklin County PUD, 1411 West Clark, Pasco, WA

Photos: Wallowas creek (Leon Werdinger), background of Wilderness chart (Brett Cole), map (Forest Service).