Logging in the McKenzie

Over the past few years, the Forest Service has sold logging rights to thousands of acres of native forests in the McKenzie watershed. These logging projects included heavy thinning in 100-150 year old forests, disturbing sensitive wildlife, and building new roads. In the summer of 2005 alone, almost 2,000 acres of mature forests were scheduled to be logged.

Tree cut in Saucer Timber Sale in 2005

A few planned timber sales have been held up due to legal actions brought by Oregon Wild and other groups to protect sensitive wildlife and the Wild & Scenic River corridor above the McKenzie River. However, the beautiful forests in the Two Bee and Trapper sales are at risk of being logged at any time.

Unit 18 of the Two Bee Timber Sale

Watershed Impacts of Logging

Past logging and the building of hundreds of miles of roads have fragmented the National Forest lands in the McKenzie watershed into small patches of young plantations (growing back after being clearcut) and natural forest stands. This fragmentation of habitat makes it hard for many wildlife species to survive. Logging and roads lead to increased soil run-off and sedimentation in streams and rivers. This damages fish habitat, and makes the river's water more difficult to purify for drinking.

More logging of mature and old-growth forests in the area could destroy more critical habitat for numerous endangered and threatened species, harm small businesses dependent on dollars from tourists and sightseers, degrade the scenic beauty that draws outdoor enthusiasts from all over the country, and pollute Eugeneʼs drinking water.

The Future of Forest Management in the McKenzie

Due to public pressure and the work of Oregon Wild and our partners, the McKenzie Ranger District is starting to move away from logging our remaining native forests. There are thousands of acres of young plantations in the watershed in need of careful thinning to help improve health and diversity in these old clearcuts. Forest and watershed restoration projects can be planned - in conjunction with conservation groups, timber contractors, wildlife experts, EWEB, local residents and others - without controversy and to provide jobs in the local economy. Learn more about this common sense vision for forest management.

Plantation in Two Bee timber sale