ANNUAL

REPORT

20

18

USDA 

Forest 

Service

Pacific 

Northwest 

Region
Front Cover: Mt. BakerSnoqualmie National Forest

Inside Cover: Strawberry Mountain 

Wilderness, Malheur National Forest
OUR COMMITMENTS 

PAGE 4 

IMPROVE THE CONDITION OF FORESTS AND GRASSLANDS

PAGE 18 

PROMOTE SHARED STEWARDSHIP BY BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR 

AND INCREASING PARTNERSHIPS AND VOLUNTEERISM

PAGE 28 

MITIGATE WILDFIRE RISK

PAGE 34 

PROVIDE EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE

PAGE 38 

ENHANCE RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES, IMPROVE 

ACCESS, AND SUSTAIN INFRASTRUCTURE

PAGE 50 

INSPIRE AND EMPOWER EMPLOYEES THROUGH A 

RESPECTFUL, SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT
About the PACIFIC 

NORTHWEST Region

The Forest Service 

manages 

24

million acres in 

Washington and Oregon

These lands provide 

timber for people, forage 

for cattle, habitat for 

fish, plants, and animals, 

and some of the best 

recreation opportunities 

in the United States.

16 national 

forests

2 national volcanic 

monuments

1 national 

scenic area

1 national 

grassland

OUR MISSION

To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of 

the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the 

needs of present and future generations.
A NOTE FROM THE REGIONAL FORESTER

Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the USDA Forest Service, once said, “The vast possibilities of 

our great future will become realities only if we make ourselves responsible for that future.” 

While many things are different today than when he spoke these words, this statement still 

rings true for the Forest Service. 

Today, we are more interconnected and interdependent than ever before. The opportunities 

and challenges we face transcend boundaries and impact people far outside the borders of 

any national forest. Indeed, our future depends on all of us – the Forest Service, states, tribes, 

partners, and local communities – working together across boundaries in shared stewardship 

to accomplish shared objectives. 

In recent years, the Pacific Northwest Region has made tremendous progress laying this 

foundation of shared stewardship. We’ve signed Good Neighbor Authority agreements with 

both Oregon and Washington, and now have projects underway to improve forest conditions 

on nearly every forest in the region. There are 36 collaborative groups working to bring 

together diverse interests, find common ground, and build greater support for large-scale forest 

restoration projects. Congress recently passed legislation granting the Forest Service new 

authorities to conduct necessary work, and a fire funding fix that will help stabilize fire funding, 

beginning in 2020. The agency is also making great strides with Forest Products Modernization 

and Environmental Analysis and Decision Making efforts to streamline and improve our work 

processes. These are just a few examples of what the Forest Service is doing, regionally and 

nationally, to position ourselves for the future. 

By working together alongside state agencies, tribes, partners, and local communities, we are 

well positioned to enhance and expand these efforts across the broader landscape. By working 

together and sharing in the stewardship of our forests and public lands, we’re able to more 

effectively address the mutual challenges we face and better provide for the public we serve.

As we look to the future, we are guided by the five Forest Service national priorities: 

• Uplifting and empowering our employees through a respectful, safe working environment; 

• Being good neighbors and providing excellent customer service; 

• Promoting shared stewardship by increasing partnerships and volunteerism; 

• Improving the condition of forests and grasslands; and 

• Enhancing recreation opportunities, improving access, and sustaining infrastructure. 

As you read through the following pages, you’ll see 

numerous projects and success stories that showcase the 

work we’re doing in shared stewardship with others. Many 

of our accomplishments would not have been possible 

without the generous support and contributions of so many 

partners, volunteers, agencies, and communities. 

I’m so proud of the work we’re doing and excited about the 

tremendous opportunities that lay before us. I look forward 

to charting this future together.

Glenn P. Casamassa

Pacific Northwest 

Regional Forester

2

COMMITMENT: IMPROVE THE CONDITION 

OF FORESTS AND GRASSLANDS

Healthy, resilient forests are crucial to ensuring the 

American public continues to have clean water and air, 

wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. Healthy, 

productive, and resilient forests also provide many economic 

opportunities for both local and national economies. 

4
Above: The Bluejay Restoration Project 

on the Chiloquin Ranger District included 

prescribed fire to improve forest health and 

reduce wildfire risk in the years to come.

FREMONT-WINEMA NATIONAL FOREST

SHARING STEWARDSHIP 

ACROSS BROAD LANDSCAPES

The Fremont-Winema National Forest has 

embraced new authorities, partnerships, and 

innovative strategies to expand and accelerate 

work to improve forest conditions on a crossboundary, landscape scale. The forest leads the 

region in integrated acres treated in 2018 in no 

small part because of the strong collaborative 

relationship with state agencies, local partners, 

and private landowners. The first timber sale in 

the region under the new Good Neighbor Authority 

occurred on the Fremont-Winema with Oregon 

Department of Forestry. Currently, the FremontWinema has three Good Neighbor Authority projects 

underway, including one – the first of its kind in 

the nation – using the authority to conduct NEPA 

planning for a Farm Bill categorical exclusion 

project. Half of the Farm Bill categorical exclusions 

in the region occurred on the Fremont-Winema. 

This innovative, collaborative approach helped the 

forest complete 60,000 acres of fuels reduction 

and 36,000 acres of watershed restoration.

COMMITMENT: IMPROVE THE CONDITION OF FORESTS AND GRASSLANDS
WOOD INNOVATIONS GRANTS 

Each year, the Forest Service distributes wood 

innovations grants to expand and accelerate 

wood products and wood energy markets. 

These grants, in turn, can stimulate the 

removal of hazardous fuels to reduce wildfire 

risk and improve forest health. In 2018, the 

Forest Service awarded nearly $8 million in 

grants to 34 projects nationally, including 

five in Oregon and three in Washington.

Our machine, purchased in part by the 

Wood Innovations Grant, is a fundamental 

element to bringing innovative mass 

timber products to market. The 

machine allows us to manufacture 

timber panels into custom made parts 

in unique configurations. Without it, we 

would be making large blocks of wood 

which would otherwise be difficult to 

process for customers’ needs.” 

— Tyler Freres, Freres Lumber

Left: Freres Lumber, based in Lyons, Oregon, 

received a Wood Innovations Grant to assist 

with its development of mass plywood panels 

utilizing veneers from smaller diameter trees. 

This application of mass timber increases the 

Forest Service’s ability to market small diameter 

material from forest restoration projects. 

Mass plywood panels from Freres Lumber 

were used for roofing panels in Peavey Hall at 

Oregon State University’s College of Forestry. 

COLVILLE NATIONAL FOREST

A TO Z STEWARDSHIP - CREATING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES 

To accelerate forest restoration, the Mill Creek A to Z Stewardship Project on the Colville National 

Forest was designed so that each step, from planning to project implementation, would be performed 

and financed by a contractor or their subcontractor. Under this model, the Colville has significantly 

increased timber volume to become the top timber-producing forest in the region. In 2018, the Mill 

Creek A to Z project completed 7,085 acres of commercial vegetation treatments, which will result in 57 

million board feet of timber volume. The forest is looking to expand this model with the Chewelah A to 

Z project which would also be a watershed restoration project with forest health, fuels reduction, and 

resiliency components, as well as aquatic restoration to reduce sediment and improve fish passage.

“

6
DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST

WORKING COLLABORATIVELY TO MAKE 

A LASTING IMPACT ACROSS THE LANDSCAPE

The West Bend Vegetation Management Project is an ambitious 26,000-acre restoration 

project adjacent to the City of Bend, Oregon which aims to restore a more historic and 

healthy forest landscape. The project received the Forest Service Chief’s Honor Award, the 

highest award given by the agency, which publicly recognizes outstanding accomplishments 

that contribute to the Forest Service’s strategic goals. The success of this project is due 

in large part to the Deschutes Collaborative Forest Project, a collaborative and diverse 

group of stakeholders that worked hand-in-hand with the forest as an equal partner.

COMMITMENT: IMPROVE THE CONDITION OF FORESTS AND GRASSLANDS
 DELIVERING BENEFITS, 

SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES

The goods and services people get from forests and grasslands 

create jobs and contribute to local and national prosperity. 

Enough timber sold to build

37,000 HOMES _______________

636 MILLION 

BOARD FEET

428 in Oregon

208 in Washington

8,000 PRIVATE 

SECTOR JOBS

supported from 

timber sold on national 

forest lands

293,000 TONS 

OF BIOMASS

produced for energy 

production _______________

$19.6 MILLION

market value

$85 MILLION

awarded in contracts

_______________

94%

going to 

small businesses

This is a true 

demonstration of how 

well we can do when we 

build community support 

for restoration and how 

that allows us to increase 

the pace and scale of 

restoration in the future.”

—Kevin Larkin, 

Bend-Fort Rock 

District RangerPhoto courtesy of Deschutes Collaborative Forest Project 

“

8
Above: The Ashland Forest Resiliency Stewardship Project has reduced risk 

from high-severity wildfires, secured drinking water, and protected forests 

that provide for wildlife habitat and high quality of life for residents.

ROGUE RIVER-SISKIYOU NATIONAL FOREST

REDUCING WILDFIRE RISK IN SOUTHWEST OREGON

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative, 

The Nature Conservancy, and other partners have launched the Rogue Basin Cohesive 

Restoration Strategy to integrate wildfire risk into restoration efforts in the Rogue Basin and 

beyond. Multiple fuels reduction projects are underway with partners, including Oregon 

Department of Forestry, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Hunters Association, 

Natural Resource Conservation Service, and private landowners. To date, nearly 7,000 acres 

have been treated, thanks to collaboration among a diverse group of government agencies, 

environmental organizations, citizens, private businesses, and community groups. 

COMMITMENT: IMPROVE THE CONDITION OF FORESTS AND GRASSLANDS
OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST

RETURNING MOUNTAIN GOATS 

TO THE NORTHERN CASCADES 

The Forest Service partnered with the Olympic 

National Park, the Washington Department of Fish 

and Wildlife, and several Pointe Elliott Treaty Tribes 

to successfully translocate 98 mountain goats from 

non-native habitat on the Olympic Peninsula to their 

native habitat in the North Cascades. The project helps 

to re-establish healthy mountain goat populations 

and will assist in connecting depleted populations 

of mountain goats in the Washington Cascades. 

10

REFORESTATION TO IMPROVE 

FOREST HEALTH AND DIVERSITY

The Pacific Northwest Region accomplished 18,200 

acres of reforestation in 2018. This reforestation work 

included tree planting in recent fire-burned areas, as well 

as planting to improve species diversity. Partnerships 

with the American Forests Foundation, Arbor Day 

Foundation, National Forest Foundation, and the Forest 

Service Plant-A-Tree program paid for more than half 

of the tree seedlings planted on the Mt. Hood, Gifford 

Pinchot, Umatilla, Umpqua, Malheur, Deschutes, Ochoco, 

and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests in 2018. 

Left: Researchers from the Dorena Genetic Research Center 

on the Umpqua National Forest are working to identify 

whitebark pine trees with disease-resistant characteristics. 

Seeds collected from these trees will help repopulate lost 

stands and ensure the species’ long-term health and viability.
GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST 

RESTORING 

HUCKLEBERRY HABITAT

The Pinchot Partners, Cowlitz Tribe, 

and the Forest Service are working 

together to improve huckleberry 

habitat on the Gifford Pinchot National 

Forest, including developing a forestwide huckleberry restoration strategy 

which identifies high priority habitat 

areas that will be considered as a 

routine part of planning on the forest. 

A prescribed burn was conducted in 

the Sawtooth Berry Fields to improve 

habitat and ensure long-term viability of 

gathering huckleberries in the future.

COMMITMENT: IMPROVE THE CONDITION OF FORESTS AND GRASSLANDS

GYPSY MOTH ERADICATION ACTIONS 

IN WASHINGTON STATE

Gypsy moth eradication, intended to keep this harmful and invasive 

insect from becoming established in the Pacific Northwest, is a 

shared priority for the Forest Service, Washington state, and other 

partners. In 2018, the Forest Service helped partners plan and 

treat 1,300 acres on both federal and private lands in western 

Washington – the first step towards successful eradication. 
12

PARTNERING 

TO TACKLE 

INVASIVE SPECIES

Wildfires, natural disasters, 

and invasive species don’t 

recognize geographic 

boundaries. To cope with 

these threats, the Forest 

Service works closely with 

tribal, federal, state, and 

private landowners to set 

common land management 

goals. In 2018, national 

forests in Oregon and 

Washington worked with 

150 different partners to 

control more than 53,000 

acres of invasive plants.

Above: Forest Service and Washington State officials monitor the 

release of biocontrol agents on Dalmatian toadflax in the Columbia 

River Gorge National Scenic Area. The Forest Service awards State 

and Private Forestry grants to Oregon and Washington biocontrol 

programs, reducing control costs and pesticide use across all land 

ownership boundaries and providing substantial economic benefits, 

particularly in the forest products and agriculture industries. 

Healthy, resilient 

forests

Healthy lands better tolerate 

and recover from threats such 

as wildfires, floods, drought, 

invasive species, and insect 

and disease outbreaks. 

327,145 ACRES

of terrestrial habitat 

restored or enhanced

272,648 ACRES

of restoration and 

fuels reduction

18,222 ACRES 

reforested
EMBRACING NEW AUTHORITIES

The 2014 Farm Bill included a wide range of provisions 

to increase the pace and scale of forest restoration, 

including authority to use the NEPA categorical 

exclusion process to develop treatments in areas with 

insect and disease risks up to 3,000 acres in size. The 

region has utilized this new authority for 11 restoration 

projects, including three projects in 2018 that produced 

an estimated 5.8 million board feet of timber.

FREMONT-WINEMA NATIONAL FOREST

The Paddock Butte Restoration Project on the FremontWinema National Forest utilized the insect and disease 

categorical exclusion authority from the 2014 Farm Bill 

to treat disease-infected trees. The project also included 

Oregon’s first Good Neighbor Authority timber sale with 

Oregon Department of Forestry. The Paddock Butte project 

was identified as a high-priority treatment area by the 

Klamath Lake Forest Health Partnership, the Oregon 

Department of Forestry’s Klamath Lake District, and 

the Fremont-Winema National Forest. Working together 

across boundaries, partners are reducing hazardous 

fuels and improving rangeland and watershed health. 

2017

2016

2018

under 

analysis

COLVILLE

WALLOWAWHITMAN

FREMONTWINEMA

UMATILLA

MALHEUR DESCHUTES

“The Paddock Butte project is a prime example 

of the work needed to improve forest health to 

increase the resiliency of our fire-prone forests 

to uncharacteristic wildfire and invasive species.” 

-Chad Davis, Director of the Oregon Department 

of Forestry Partnership & Planning Program

COMMITMENT: IMPROVE THE CONDITION OF FORESTS AND GRASSLANDS
MAINTAINING 

AND RESTORING 

WATERSHEDS 

The Aquatic and Riparian 

Effectiveness Monitoring 

Program of the Northwest 

Forest Plan monitors 

watershed conditions 

for assessing the status 

and trend of watershed 

attributes to determine 

if the plan’s Aquatic 

Conservation Strategy 

is achieving its goals of 

maintaining and restoring 

watersheds and aquatic 

ecosystems. In 2018 the 

team conducted 218 

surveys in 31 watersheds 

and worked with students 

from Portland State 

University to conduct 

field monitoring.

14

PARTNERING TO ASSESS 

SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS

The Forest Service partnered with the Pacific Northwest 

Research Station and Ecosystem Workforce Program at the 

University of Oregon to measure social and economic trends. 

Data on timber, range, minerals, recreation, and payments to 

states were collected and graphed to show trends over the past 

25 years. Nine of ten planned community case studies have 

been conducted to uncover links between federal agency land 

management activities and social and economic conditions.
Riparian Restoration Projects 

Waters from national forests and grasslands improve lives and livelihoods far beyond their 

boundaries. The Forest Service works with partner agencies, organizations, tribal governments, and 

private landowners to “steward the whole place” for the benefit of future generations.

WALLOWA-WHITMAN 

NATIONAL FOREST

Bird Track Springs 

Restoration

FREMONT-WINEMA

NATIONAL FOREST

Williamson and Sycan 

Rivers Restoration

WILLAMETTE NATIONAL FOREST

Deer Creek Floodplain 

Enhancement, Staley Creek 

Floodplain Enhancement, 

Lower South Fork McKenzie 

Floodplain Enhancement

UMATILLA NATIONAL FOREST

Meacham Creek Project

OKANOGAN-WENATCHEE 

NATIONAL FOREST

Nason Creek Restoration 

SIUSLAW NATIONAL FOREST

North Fork Project

MALHEUR NATIONAL FOREST

Malheur River 

Large Woody Debris 

Placement Project

COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE 

NATIONAL SCENIC AREA

Bridal Veil Creek Stream 

Restoration Project 

MT. HOOD NATIONAL FOREST

Upper Sandy 

Watershed Restoration

COMMITMENT: IMPROVE THE CONDITION OF FORESTS AND GRASSLANDS
THINKING OUTSIDE THE CHANNEL: 

STAGE ZERO RESTORATION 

The Forest Service is using a new approach called Stage 

Zero restoration to restore ecological benefits to rivers and 

streams. Stage Zero restoration raises the water table, slows 

fast-moving water, increases riparian vegetation, and creates 

more complex and diverse habitat for fish and wildlife. This 

approach increases water retention and provides more stable, 

prolonged summer flows, benefiting downstream water 

users. Maintaining, improving, and conserving watersheds 

and the health of forest ecosystems will ensure that national 

forests and grasslands continue to meet people’s needs.

Above: On the Okanogan-Wenatchee National 

Forest, restoration actions on Nason Creek addressed 

floodplain connectivity, large wood presence and 

recruitment, and riparian vegetation replacement. 

681 MILES

of stream habitat 

restored or enhanced

Provide clean, 

abundant water 

Healthy forests support 

plants and soil that purify 

water and provide food and 

shelter for fish and wildlife.

16

51 STREAM 

CROSSINGS 

improved for aquatic 

organism passage

155 MILES 

of streams reconnected 

for fish passage

COMMITMENT: PROMOTE SHARED 

STEWARDSHIP BY BEING A GOOD 

NEIGHBOR AND INCREASING 

PARTNERSHIPS AND VOLUNTEERISM

To meet the USDA and Forest Service strategic goals of 

sustaining the nation’s forests and grasslands for multiple 

uses, the Forest Service collaborates with partners and 

volunteers to accomplish work on the nation’s forests – both 

public and private – in the spirit of shared stewardship.

18
GOOD NEIGHBOR AUTHORITY: 

EXPANDING PARTNERSHIPS TO 

WORK ACROSS BOUNDARIES

Improving forest health, reducing wildfire risk, and supporting local 

communities are priorities that transcend boundaries and agency 

jurisdictions. In the past two years, the Forest Service has signed 

agreements with state agencies in both Oregon and Washington. 

Now, there are Good Neighbor Authority projects on nearly every 

national forest in the Pacific Northwest, helping to accomplish 

work on the ground more quickly and efficiently across boundaries. 

The 2018 Farm Bill expanded the Good Neighbor Authority to 

authorize Tribes and counties to participate. The Forest Service 

will be developing templates for agreements and working with 

Tribes, local Forest Service units, states, and counties to identify 

and implement landscape-scale projects in the coming years.

Above: The Block of Nine project 

on the Colville National Forest 

was the first Good Neighbor 

Authority commercial project in 

Washington, focusing on reducing 

hazardous fuels and contributing 

to the State’s 20-Year Forest 

Health Strategic Plan goal of 

treating 1.25 million acres of atrisk forests in eastern Washington 

by 2037. Funds generated 

by this project will go toward 

additional fuels projects and other 

restoration work on the Colville.

The Department of Natural Resources and the Forest Service are 

long-time partners through our traditional grant programs and 

wildland fire. Good Neighbor Authority takes this partnership to the next 

level to allow us to look across boundary lines and begin true landscapelevel coordination to work on critical restoration needs, using the State’s 

horsepower and skills to bolster the Forest Service’s program of work.”

— Trevor McConchie, Federal Lands Program, 

Washington Department of Natural Resources

“

COMMITMENT: PROMOTE SHARED STEWARDSHIP BY BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR AND INCREASING PARTNERSHIPS AND VOLUNTEERISM
Good Neighbor Authority Projects 

There are currently three signed statewide agreements in Oregon and one in Washington, resulting in 

ongoing or proposed projects on nearly every forest in the region. Statewide agreements include funding for 

timber sale preparation in the state of Washington, funding for Oregon Department of Forestry personnel 

to conduct collaborative project development, and monitoring for white nose syndrome in bats. Forestlevel projects cover a wide range of work, including timber sale preparation, thinning, fuels reduction, stream 

monitoring, aspen restoration, wildlife surveys, and road decommissioning. Three Good Neighbor Authority 

timber sales have been conducted in the region, including two sales in 2018 for 8.9 million board feet.

Forest 

restoration 

projects

Watershed 

restoration 

projects

Forest-wide 

timber sales

Restoration 

and resilience 

fuels projects

Wildlife/habitat 

enhancement 

projects

Professional 

services

Collaboration 

with Oregon 

Department 

of Forestry

Collaboration 

with Oregon 

Department of 

Fish and Wildlife

Collaboration 

with Washington 

Department 

of Natural 

Resources

COLVILLE

MT. HOOD

SIUSLAW

DESCHUTES

ROGUE RIVERSISKIYOU

UMPQUA

WILLAMETTE

OCHOCO

MALHEUR

WALLOWAWHITMAN UMATILLA

GIFFORD 

PINCHOT

OLYMPIC

MT. BAKERSNOQUALMIE

OKANOGANWENATCHEE

FREMONTWINEMA

20
WILLAMETTE NATIONAL FOREST

NEW PARTNERSHIP 

ENVISIONS A 

SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

In 2018, the High Cascades 

Forest Volunteers, a longstanding 

volunteer group primarily 

focused on helping maintain, 

restore, and preserve trails on 

national forest lands, became 

an official 501(c)3 public nonprofit organization. The volunteer 

group is stepping up as a broadbased “friends group” partnership 

for the Willamette National 

Forest, with goals to expand 

capacity, connect communities, 

and foster stewardship.

This core group of volunteers is very excited to take this partnership to the next level. It’s incredible 

to be able to help support the forest in connecting diverse communities to their public lands.”

—Ed Willson, High Cascades Forest Volunteers Board Member

“

UMATILLA NATIONAL FOREST

DEDICATED 

PARTNERS MAKE 

A DIFFERENCE

The Blues Crew was founded in 2018 

through a partnership with the Blue 

Mountain Land Trust to improve 

the quality and accessibility of local 

trails in the Blue Mountains. In all, 

47 Blues Crew volunteers spent more 

than 1,000 hours maintaining more 

than 17 miles of trail on the Umatilla 

National Forest. These partners 

made a significant difference in 

completing needed trail maintenance 

and reconstruction work, providing 

access to recreational sites 

and settings for all to enjoy.

COMMITMENT: PROMOTE SHARED STEWARDSHIP BY BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR AND INCREASING PARTNERSHIPS AND VOLUNTEERISM
COMING TOGETHER FOR A COMMON GOAL

OKANOGAN-WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST

In July of 2018, a unique volunteer effort with the OkanoganWenatchee National Forest, Backcountry Horsemen of Washington, 

and the Washington Trails Association brought people together 

with the common goal of improving trail conditions in the 

popular Icicle Creek area near Leavenworth, Washington. Hand 

crews, supported by backcountry packers and stock, cleared 

and maintained more than 50 miles of horse and foot trails, 

including Jack Creek, French Creek, Meadow Creek, and Icicle 

Creek trails. Combined, these newly maintained trails provide 

a scenic loop through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. 

MALHEUR NATIONAL FOREST

The Malheur National Forest partnered with Rocky Mountain 

Elk Foundation to construct fence enclosures to protect an 

aspen stand. More than 40 volunteers from the Rocky Mountain 

Elk Foundation and a local youth crew helped forest employees 

construct the fence using 1,500 buck and pole pieces.

“

OCHOCO NATIONAL FOREST

PROVIDING MEANINGFUL 

WORK EXPERIENCES 

Central Oregon Youth Conservation Corps 

crews provide life and job skills training while 

accomplishing a substantial workload on 

public lands. In 2018, the crews repaired 33 

miles of fence, seeded 50 acres of burned land 

with native seed, pulled 388 acres of invasive 

plants, and helped establish and protect native 

riparian restoration plantings along five miles 

of streams, among many other projects. 

 [My proudest moment in 

the program was when] I 

was told I was one of the 

hardest workers on my crew.”

—Cheydon H., age 16, 

Jefferson County resident and 

member of the Confederated 

Tribes of Warm Springs

22
MT. HOOD NATIONAL FOREST

TREASURED LANDSCAPES, UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES

Working with the National Forest Foundation’s Treasured Landscape Program, the Mt. Hood 

National Forest is creating better fish and wildlife habitat, enhancing recreational experiences, 

and increasing the number and diversity of forest stewards. This partnership has funded instream restoration work to improve conditions for threatened salmon and steelhead and brought 

new partners together to organize and deliver an Earth Day tree planting event with the Latinx 

community. During 15 weeks of youth crew trail work, the partnership funded a trails skill 

training for more than 80 new volunteers, and brought trail partner groups together to identify 

shared interests, share opportunities, and create lasting connections. Forest leaders hope 

these efforts to improve water quality and fish habitat, increase stewardship opportunities for 

underserved communities, and improve our recreation system through building relationships 

will bring partners to the table that we can share stewardship with for years to come.

COMMITMENT: PROMOTE SHARED STEWARDSHIP BY BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR AND INCREASING PARTNERSHIPS AND VOLUNTEERISM
We are excited about the 

work being accomplished 

on the Mt. Hood National 

Forest. This work is 

bringing together 

community partners and 

agency staff to work 

together to accomplish 

more work across the 

landscape. This work is 

all about partnerships.” 

—Patrick Shannon, National 

Forest Foundation

Working together 

to achieve common 

conservation goals 

The Forest Service is strengthening and expanding partner and 

volunteer programs to increase capacity and accomplish more.

11,237 volunteers _______________

328,134 hours 

of service

_______________

$8,101,624 value

243 partners

_______________

626 partnership 

agreements

$65.8 MILLION 

in contributions from 

partners leveraged 

$83.4 million in Forest 

Service contributions

$149 MILLION 

in contributions to local 

economies through 

partnerships

“

24
INCREASING THE 

PARTICIPATION OF 

WOMEN AND GIRLS IN 

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST

For the first time ever, the Girl Scouts 

of America, Student Conservation 

Association, and the Forest Service 

hosted an all-Girl Scout conservation 

service crew. Keeping with the spirit of 

partnership, the Student Conservation 

Association and the Girl Scouts of 

America worked with the Olympic 

National Forest to bring senior-level Girl 

Scouts from all over the country to the 

Olympic Peninsula to learn about natural 

resources while camping on the forest.

COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE NATIONAL 

SCENIC AREA & DESCHUTES 

NATIONAL FOREST

With a mission to increase the 

participation of women and girls in 

outdoor activities, nonprofit SheJumps 

Wild Skills worked with Columbia 

River Gorge National Scenic Area 

and Deschutes National Forest to 

create Junior Wildland Firefighter, a 

day camp that introduces girls to the 

facets of wildland firefighting while 

interacting with the strong women 

of the firefighting community. The 

camp mimicked the experience of a 

hand crew throughout the day.

COMMITMENT: PROMOTE SHARED STEWARDSHIP BY BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR AND INCREASING PARTNERSHIPS AND VOLUNTEERISM

SIUSLAW & WILLAMETTE NATIONAL FORESTS

OUTDOOR AMBASSADORS 

The Willamette and Siuslaw National Forests have 

launched an Outdoor Ambassador program focused on 

“facilitating firsts” through outreach and networking 

with nontraditional communities to bring children and 

families to their national forests. Led by Public Land 

Corps interns and supported by Field Rangers and 

Environment for the Americas Latinx interns, more 

than 1,000 underserved youth have been engaged 

through classroom presentations and special events. 

MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST 

BIG BROTHERS-BIG SISTERS 

CONNECTS YOUTH WITH NATURE

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest forged 

a new partnership with Big Brothers-Big Sisters of 

Puget Sound as part of a program replication of the 

Outdoor Explorers Mentoring Program. The non-profit 

focuses their impact on youth with disadvantaged 

backgrounds and serves more than 800 matches (Bigs 

and Littles) in King and Pierce Counties. In 2018, the 

forest offered three experiences for youth to connect 

with their public lands and learn about wildlife.
“

Every one of these outings was great, but they were 

made truly special because I was always accompanied 

by amazing community groups, classrooms, and other 

outdoor enthusiasts. I am excited that Outdoor 

Ambassadors will continue in 2019 with new events, 

trips, and partnerships, and that other resource 

assistants and AmeriCorps members throughout 

the region are engaged in many creative activities.”

—Sam Kenney, Siuslaw Outdoor Ambassador

26

JOB FAIRS HELP UNLOCK 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Building on the success of a similar event on the Mt. 

Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, the Willamette 

National Forest collaborated with Eugene Recreation 

Services Division, Northwest Youth Corps, and Bureau 

of Land Management to hold a Public Lands Job Fair. 

The event hosted more than 70 attendees representing 

underserved and underrepresented youth populations. 

Information and materials provided were designed 

to assist youth in obtaining jobs that allow them to 

steward public lands and strengthen communities.

714 conservation 

education events

Youth Engagement

Immersing youth in nature 

is not only good for their 

health but also for the 

future of our public lands. 

900,000

people reached 

27,972 fourth graders 

reached at 

92 Every Kid 

events

COMMITMENT: MITIGATE WILDFIRE RISK

The Forest Service is committed to sustaining and restoring 

healthy, resilient, fire-adapted ecosystems; helping 

communities in fire-prone landscapes adapt to the inevitable 

wildland fires; and using decision support systems for a 

safe, effective, and appropriate response to wildfires.

28
OKANOGAN-WENATCHEE 

NATIONAL FOREST 

PROACTIVE THINNING, 

PRESCRIBED FIRE 

CHANGES COURSE 

OF LARGE WILDFIRE

In a small community nestled 

in the dry forests of the 

Cascade Mountains, two red 

flag warnings within a week 

didn’t result in a single home 

lost or unacceptable risk to 

firefighters – despite a 4,000-

acre wildfire north of town. What 

made the difference? Proactive 

hazardous fuels reduction on 

thousands of acres of nearby 

national forest lands on the 

Okanogan-Wenatchee National 

Forest. The combination of 

thinning and burning was tested 

during a critical 24-hours, as 

the McLeod Fire threatened to 

race down a critical drainage 

and into residents’ backyards. 

Instead of 100-foot flames, the 

fire laid down to just a few feet 

tall, allowing firefighters to catch 

and successfully hold the fire.

MEASURING FUEL 

TREATMENT EFFECTIVENESS

Wildfires occurred in more than 900 

fuel treatment areas during 2018. 

Analysis of fuel treatment impacts on 

fire behavior indicates the vast majority 

of these treated areas helped slow 

fire behavior, moderate fire intensity, 

and reduce air quality impacts. In 

addition, many fuel treatments gave 

firefighters pre-treated areas to more 

safely engage in suppression actions.

QUANTITATIVE WILDFIRE RISK 

ASSESSMENT HELPS BUILD FIREADAPTED COMMUNITIES

The Forest Service led an effort to develop a new tool 

called the Quantitative Wildfire Risk Assessment 

that helps planners and responders analyze areas 

with potential for low, moderate, and high losses 

from wildfires. This tool is being used to help 

federal, state, and local officials work together in 

shared stewardship to identify needs and allocate 

funding for hazardous fuels reduction projects.

COMMITMENT: MITIGATE WILDFIRE RISK
UMATILLA NATIONAL FOREST 

USING FIRE TO ENHANCE 

WILDLIFE HABITAT

The Umatilla National Forest partnered with the 

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to conduct 

a 1,700-acre cross-boundary prescribed burn to enhance 

big game habitat. Forest and state employees worked 

together closely to implement the high-complexity 

burn, which was mostly funded through the Blue 

Mountain and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundations. 

POST-FIRE 

RECOVERY 

EFFORTS

While firefighting efforts 

get most of the attention, 

important work occurs 

after the fire is contained 

to reduce potential risks 

to life, safety, property, 

and natural/cultural 

resources. In 2018, Burned 

Area Emergency Response 

(BAER) teams completed 

assessments on more 

than 500,000 acres on 

21 fire incidents. Teams 

conducted more than 7,000 

acres of invasive weed 

treatments, 275 miles of 

road improvements, 80 

miles of trail improvements, 

and numerous safety 

actions – including 

hazard signs and removal 

of hazardous trees at 

developed recreation sites. 

272,648 ACRES 

of restoration and 

fuels reduction

Reducing 

wildfire risk 

By working with partners, 

we are creating fire-adapted 

landscapes and communities, 

combined with a sound, riskbased wildfire response.

152,883 ACRES

of wildland-urban 

interface treatments

93,794 ACRES 

of prescribed burns

30
COMMITMENT: MITIGATE WILDFIRE RISK

COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE NATIONAL SCENIC AREA

AFTER THE EAGLE CREEK FIRE: 

RESTORE, REBUILD, AND REJUVENATE

Throughout 2018, the Columbia River Gorge National 

Scenic Area oversaw extensive fire recovery efforts from 

the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. The goal was to mitigate postfire hazards, while repairing and reopening as many sites 

as possible in this extremely popular recreation corridor. 

Working closely with partners and agencies, the scenic area 

developed a volunteer action plan to accelerate recovery. 

Hazard trees were removed above the interstate, along 

the Historic Columbia River Highway, and throughout the 

Multnomah Falls site. At Multnomah Falls, a new rockfall 

fence was constructed to protect the lodge, and an existing 

fence along part of the trail to the upper falls was rebuilt 

to protect pedestrians as they stroll up to Benson Bridge. 

At Eagle Creek, a damaged suspension bridge was removed 

to prevent further damage in the event of flash flooding.

“

The shocking events of the 

Eagle Creek Fire have led to an 

incredible outpouring of service 

and effort from the partners 

and public. We know that the 

public lands of the Columbia River 

Gorge will continue to be loved 

and cared for because of the 

unique partnerships of the area.” 

—MG Devereux, Deputy Director, 

Oregon State Parks
32

Trail partners were a critical part of the recovery after the Eagle Creek Fire. 

More than two-thirds of the 122 miles of National Forest System trails impacted 

were stabilized and reopened by November 2018, thanks to help from partner 

organizations and volunteers. Pacific Crest Trail Association repaired 52 miles on 

18 trails. Trailkeepers of Oregon worked on seven trails in the burned area, hired 

an intern to coordinate work outings, and hosted more than 80 work outings. 

Northwest Youth Corps worked on three trails within Mt. Hood National Forest: 

upper Herman Creek Trail, Eagle Creek Trail, and Indian Springs Trail.

COMMITMENT: PROVIDE EXCELLENT 

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Service is part of the agency’s name and a core value for 

the Forest Service. Serving the public and other employees 

is part of the mission. Service is also key to the agency 

motto of “caring for the land and serving people.” 

34
MT. HOOD NATIONAL FOREST 

FOREST LAUNCHES ONLINE 

CHRISTMAS TREE PERMITS

The Mt. Hood National Forest launched an online program 

to sell Christmas tree permits to visitors on desktop or 

mobile devices. The region hopes to expand this online 

permit system to other forests starting next year.

WORKING 

TOGETHER TO 

PROVIDE THE BEST 

POSSIBLE SERVICE 

UMPQUA NATIONAL FOREST

The Umpqua National 

Forest partnered with 

community volunteers, 

sister agencies, and the 

Umpqua Band of the Cow 

Creek Tribe of Indians 

to reopen the Colliding 

Rivers Exploration 

Center in Glide, Oregon. 

Dedicated volunteers 

provide customer 

service and important 

information to community 

members and visitors.

COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE 

NATIONAL SCENIC AREA & 

MT. HOOD NATIONAL FOREST

The Columbia River Gorge 

National Scenic Area 

partnered with Travel Oregon 

and Friends of the Columbia 

Gorge to develop and launch 

a Trailhead Ambassador 

volunteer program. The 

Mt. Hood National Forest 

partnered with the Mt. 

Hood Territories/Clackamas 

County Tourism to launch 

a similar Trailhead 

Ambassador program.

Special 

forest 

products

National forests and grasslands provide a 

variety of special forest products that can 

be harvested or collected for recreation, 

personal use, or as a source of income. In 2018, 

more than $1.8 million worth of special forest 

products were sold in Oregon and Washington.

63,570 Christmas 

trees

1,631 tons of 

tree boughs

COMMITMENT: PROVIDE EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE
THERE’S AN 

APP FOR THAT

The Pacific Northwest 

National Forests 

recreation mobile 

app launched in both 

Android and iOS 

versions. To date, 

there have been more 

than 18,000 iOS 

downloads and 8,000 

Android downloads. 

The app helps users 

find useful information 

about trails, roads, 

local weather, fire 

information, and more.

OREGON PROVIDES “THE PEOPLE’S TREE” 

Oregon had the great honor of providing the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas 

Tree. The “People’s Tree” journeyed 3,000 miles from the Sweet Home 

Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest to the U.S. Capitol 

in Washington D.C., following the Oregon Trail in reverse for much of 

the journey. The theme for the Capitol Christmas Tree was “Find Your 

Trail!” in recognition of two 2018 anniversaries: the 50th anniversary 

of the National Trails System Act and the 175th commemoration of 

the Oregon Trail. The Willamette National Forest, in partnership with 

Choose Outdoors and Travel Oregon, engaged and inspired countless 

children and families to make ornaments, connect with their national 

forests, and find their trail in national forests across the country.

56,271 bushels 

of cones

2,563 tons of salal 

and other foliage

216,450 gallons 

of mushrooms

889 tons of 

beargrass

63,871 pounds of 

huckleberries

1,608 pounds of 

other berries

13,826 horticultural 

stock transplants

80 pounds 

of seed

553 thousand board 

ft. of posts and poles

95,226 cords 

of firewood

36

COMMITMENT: ENHANCE RECREATION 

OPPORTUNITIES, IMPROVE ACCESS, 

AND SUSTAIN INFRASTRUCTURE

National forests and grasslands offer some of the most 

readily available and valuable outdoor recreation 

settings in the country. Working with public and private 

recreation partners, the Forest Service is finding creative 

ways to deliver recreation experiences that better meet 

the needs of visitors and support local economies.

38
GIFFORD PINCHOT 

NATIONAL FOREST 

MARBLE MOUNTAIN 

WARMING SHELTER 

PARTNERSHIP CREATES 

REFUGE, REST, AND 

CAMARADERIE 

In October 2018, partners, volunteers, 

and staff from the Gifford Pinchot 

National Forest celebrated the ribbon 

cutting ceremony at the new Marble 

Mountain Sno-Park warming shelter. 

After the original shelter burned down in 

2011, partners and volunteers rallied to 

rebuild the popular site. The Mount St. 

Helens Trac Riders, who had maintained 

the shelter since it was built in 1990, 

raised funds, helped secure grants, and 

recruited volunteers to help rebuild. Now, 

snowmobilers, skiers, and snowshoers 

can enjoy the warm shelter again. 

When the warming shelter wasn’t 

here, we’d all be isolated in our 

RVs or not here because there’s 

no meeting place. It almost brings 

tears to my eyes, being able to 

sit here and watch this. Now we 

have a place we can call home.”

—Larry Lamkin, president of Trac Riders

“

COMMITMENT: ENHANCE RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES, IMPROVE ACCESS, AND SUSTAIN INFRASTRUCTURE

WALLOWA-WHITMAN NATIONAL FOREST 

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION HELPS MAINTAIN 

TRAILS AND CONSERVE HERITAGE SITES

The national designation of the Hells Canyon/Eagle Cap Wilderness 

Trail Maintenance Priority Area catalyzed a shift to shared trail 

stewardship and the establishment of the Wallowa Mountain Hells 

Canyon Trail Association. In its first year of existence, the group 

organized ten one-day work parties, and six multi-day backcountry 

trips. In all, the group maintained or improved more than 80 miles of 

trail, including clearing brush and sawing more than 850 trees.
MT. HOOD NATIONAL FOREST

IMPROVING ACCESS AT 

ONE OF THE BUSIEST 

TRAILS ON THE FOREST

The Mt. Hood National Forest opened 

the new Mirror Lake Trailhead on 

Highway 26 in 2018. With funding and 

cooperation from the Oregon Department 

of Transportation and Federal Highway 

Administration – Western Federal 

Lands Highway Division, the new 

trailhead plaza, accessible trail, parking 

lot, highway improvements, and trail 

connection will provide safe access to 

one of the most popular year-round 

recreation sites in the Pacific Northwest. 

The project also eliminated hazardous 

conditions at the old trailhead, where 

visitors had parked along the busy 

highway and exited into four-lane traffic. 

GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST 

STORIES COME TO LIFE AT 

WOODS CREEK WATCHABLE 

WILDLIFE TRAIL

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest and 

Mountain View Timberland Library partnered 

to celebrate the 50th anniversary of both 

the Timberland Library and the National 

Trails Act. The partnership launched 

the Timberland Library Story Trail, an 

interactive adventure featuring interpretive 

displays along the route highlighting the 

area’s scenery and wildlife. The forest 

also created children’s hiking backpacks 

containing outdoor essentials that visitors 

can check out to use while hiking the trail. 

40
ENHANCING ACCESS

The Pacific Northwest Region, in partnership 

with Northwest Youth Corps, has been 

collecting data and conducting inventories 

at approximately 200 developed recreation 

sites across the region. This information 

will improve online reservation systems 

to provide more inclusive and rewarding 

outdoor recreation opportunities.

COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE 

NATIONAL SCENIC AREA

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, 

in partnership with the Oregon Department 

of Transportation, Travel Oregon, and the 

Federal Highway Administration – Western 

Federal Lands Highway Division, expanded 

the Gorge Express summer transit service 

between Portland’s Gateway Transit Center 

and Hood River, with stops at key state and 

federal recreation sites along the route. The 

partnership helps reduce traffic congestion and 

improve safety at popular recreation sites.

MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST 

In partnership with Mountains to Sound 

Greenway Trust, the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie 

National Forest worked to complete the Garfield 

Ledges Trail and its 40-car parking lot. On 

National Public Lands Day, volunteers helped 

build and surface a 35-foot rock wall retention 

structure, installed 20 drains, and improved 

Photo courtesy of Oregon Department of Transportation

two switchbacks and one-half mile of trail.

SIUSLAW NATIONAL FOREST

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES TO ENJOY THE 

OREGON COAST RANGE IN NEW WAYS

The Siuslaw National Forest completed planning for the final portion of the 

60-mile Corvallis to Sea (C2C) Trail and issued a permit to partners who 

will work with the forest to complete the construction and maintain the 

finished trail. Once complete, the trail will link the Willamette Valley and 

the Pacific Ocean with a system of trails open to hiking, equestrian use, 

and mountain biking. Over the years, C2C volunteers have put in over 700 

hours of trail maintenance on existing Siuslaw National Forest trails plus 

hundreds of hours on trails in other national forests in Oregon.

COMMITMENT: ENHANCE RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES, IMPROVE ACCESS, AND SUSTAIN INFRASTRUCTURE
MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST 

BRINGING DISABLED VETERANS TO THE FOREST

Under a new partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, 

the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest hosted an interpretive 

hike that brought disabled veterans from an outpatient recreational 

rehabilitation program to the Iron Goat Trail on the Skykomish Ranger 

District. Veterans learned about the Forest Service, the America the 

Beautiful Access Pass, local flora and fauna, and local area history.

42

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF STEWARDSHIP

2018 marked the 50th anniversary of both the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the 

National Trails System Act. Across the region, we celebrated these historic milestones 

and the five decades of agency, partner, and public stewardship of these national 

treasures. With 51 Wild and Scenic Rivers encompassing 1,356 river miles, the 

Pacific Northwest Region has more Wild and Scenic Rivers than any other part of 

the country. Throughout the year, the agency and partners co-hosted a number of 

local Wild and Scenic River anniversary-related events, including river cleanups, 

tours, and festivals. Across the region, we are working with partners and volunteers 

to help maintain our entire trail system, including our National Scenic, Historic, 

and Recreation Trails. In 2018, we, along with partners and volunteers, collectively 

maintained 9,797 trail miles and constructed or reconstructed 71 trail miles.
DELIVERING EXPERIENCES THAT 

BETTER MEET THE NEEDS OF VISITORS 

AND SUPPORT LOCAL ECONOMIES

Approximately 409,000 visitors experience Pacific 

Northwest national forests through permitted outfitters, 

guides, and tour operators each year. Another 80,000 

each year do so by participating in a special recreation 

event. We’re focused on making it easy for these 

businesses to work with us to provide excellent visitor 

services by modernizing delivery of our programs. 

This work enhances public access, increases the 

agency’s ability to issue permits that enable business 

opportunities, improves consistency, streamlines 

processes, and increases the role of small businesses 

operating on national forests to support local economies.

COMMITMENT: ENHANCE RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES, IMPROVE ACCESS, AND SUSTAIN INFRASTRUCTURE

LAND ACQUISITIONS 

INCREASE ACCESS, 

RECREATION, AND 

PROTECTION 

The region completed five 

land acquisitions totaling over 

4,300 acres across Oregon and 

Washington to improve access, 

expand recreation opportunities, 

safeguard water supplies, and 

protect important natural and 

cultural resources. Acquisitions were 

made using funds from the Land 

and Water Conservation Fund. 

The Forest Service worked closely with the Pacific Crest Trail Association on two 

significant land acquisitions. In 2018, the 160-acre acquisition of Donomore Meadows on 

the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest contains one of the largest and flattest meadows 

on the Siskiyou Crest portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, and the 400-acre Stevens Pass/

Yodelin parcel on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest provides an important access 

point to the trail and nearby wilderness areas. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic 

Area finalized acquisition of Coyote Meadows, a property surrounded by National Forest 

System lands near the Coyote Wall and Catherine Creek trail systems. Now in public 

ownership, this visually stunning and ecologically vital piece of land will improve 

recreational access to hikers and mountain bikers.

ROGUE RIVERSISKIYOU

160 acres

OKANOGANWENATCHEE

4,124 acres 

(3 acquisitions)

COLUMBIA 

RIVER GORGE

7.7 acres
WILLAMETTE NATIONAL FOREST 

DESIGNING RECREATION EXPERIENCES 

THAT SUPPORT LOCAL ECONOMIES

With a grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s 

Federal Lands Access Program, the Willamette National 

Forest and City of Detroit, Oregon began construction of 

a bicycle and pedestrian trail and reconstruction of the 

road and parking area for the Cascading Rivers Scenic 

Bikeway Portal and Detroit Flats Day Use Area. The grand 

opening at both facilities is scheduled for spring 2019.

Enhancing recreation

Each year, more than 15 million 

visitors spend $738 million in 

local communities, support 

over 6,000 jobs, and generate 

$210 million in labor income. 

71 TRAIL MILES 

constructed or 

reconstructed

$11.9 MILLION 

in recreation fee revenues 

invested to enhance 

recreation opportunities

9,797 MILES

of trail maintained with 

partners and volunteers

44
LEGACY ROADS AND TRAILS PROGRAM: 

IMPROVING THE TRANSPORTATION 

SYSTEM AND WATERSHED HEALTH

This year, 59 projects were awarded and/or constructed 

as part of the Legacy Roads and Trails Program, which 

includes projects to improve watershed and aquatic habitat 

conditions through road improvements, decommissioning, 

storage, maintenance, and improved fish passage.

The Okanogan-Wenatchee 

National Forest and the Federal 

Highway Administration 

– Western Federal Lands 

Highway Division repaired 25 

forest roads and recreation 

areas that sustained damage 

in heavy storms and flooding. 

Crews restored public access 

to the area and minimized 

long-term sediment delivery 

to the watershed. 

The Olympic National Forest, 

along with partners, enhanced 

or improved 61 miles of stream 

habitat and removed five fish 

passage barrier culverts to help 

restore important fish habitat 

on the Olympic Peninsula. 

INFRASTRUCTURE 

THAT ACHIEVES A 

MORE SUSTAINABLE 

FACILITY FOOTPRINT 

In 2018, national forests in 

Oregon and Washington reduced 

their infrastructure footprint by 

disposing of 69 facilities (over 

100,000 square feet of facility 

space), resolving $14.5 million 

in deferred maintenance.

UMATILLA NATIONAL FOREST 

The forest disposed of the 

deteriorating buildings at the 

former Dale Ranger Station, 

which closed due to declining 

facility budgets, growing 

deferred maintenance needs, 

and annual maintenance costs. 

Prior to demolition, portions 

of the buildings were removed 

and repurposed at other Forest 

Service sites. Flooring was 

reused at cabin rentals at the 

historic Fremont Powerhouse, 

and cabinets were transferred 

to a Forest Service guard 

station. Disposing of these 

facilities will focus funding on 

improving other facilities. 

MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE 

NATIONAL FOREST 

Engineering staff treated and 

disposed of 6,000 tons of 

dangerous waste at the Index 

Shooting Range on the Mt. 

Baker-Snoqualmie National 

Forest. As a result, nearly 57 

tons of lead were removed from 

the environment. Forest staff 

are now conducting long-term 

monitoring and revegetation.

COMMITMENT: ENHANCE RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES, IMPROVE ACCESS, AND SUSTAIN INFRASTRUCTURE
GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST 

RESTORING HIGH ROCK LOOKOUT

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest and White Pass Historical Museum completed safety 

repairs to the retired High Rock fire lookout, thanks to funding provided by the museum’s “Save 

the Rock” campaign. Volunteers hauled materials up the 1.6-mile hill by sled. The historic 

structure was used as an active fire look through the 1990s. The forest hopes to restore the 

structure to its original condition and have volunteers staff it during the summer months. 

WILLAMETTE NATIONAL FOREST

PRESERVING SANTIAM PASS SKI LODGE 

In the spring of 2018, the Willamette National Forest signed the 

operating plan and special use permit for the restoration of the Santiam 

Pass Ski Lodge. Nestled in the High Cascades of western Oregon, the 

historic lodge was constructed in 1939 by the Civilian Conservation 

Corps to expand winter recreation opportunities on public lands. 

For the past three decades, the lodge has sat empty – becoming 

vulnerable to vandalism and natural elements, such as heavy rain 

and snow. The lodge will soon undergo renovations to restore its 

historic character and return it to active use for the public to enjoy.

46
UMPQUA NATIONAL FOREST 

NEW BRIDGE 

IMPROVES 

RECREATION 

OPPORTUNITIES

The Umpqua National Forest 

replaced the Cedar Creek trail 

bridge with the help of youth 

corps volunteers. The bridge 

was installed using aerial 

slings and ropes rather than 

using a traditionally contracted 

third-party crane service. Rope 

systems expertise was provided 

by Brock Mayo, the National 

Tree Climbing Program lead 

trainer from the Dorena Genetic 

Research Center. The bridge 

was procured with Secure Rural 

Schools Title II funds approved 

by the forest Resource Advisory 

Committee to make the trail more 

accessible and to cross Cedar 

Creek, providing access from 

the Cedar Creek Campground.

GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST 

WORKING TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT SPIRIT LAKE

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest continues to advance efforts to develop a sustainable and resilient 

the Spirit Lake outflow near Mount St. Helens. The National Academies of Science, Engineering 

and Medicine issued a study to inform a long-term management solution to better address current 

and future risks associated in the dynamic volcanic landscape. A crew from the Colorado School 

of Mines conducted geophysical surveys at Mount. St. Helens to improve understanding of the 

debris blockage that holds Spirit Lake in place. The forest constructed an administrative motorized 

route to the south shore of Spirit Lake to transport equipment and personnel for tunnel operations 

and maintenance. Along with a project work boat, the route provides another means of tunnel 

access, which had been limited to helicopter only. Working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 

the forest repaired an 85-foot section of the tunnel’s lining. The forest engaged the Ruckelshaus 

Center to assess moving forward with collaborative efforts in the Toutle River system.

COMMITMENT: ENHANCE RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES, IMPROVE ACCESS, AND SUSTAIN INFRASTRUCTURE
This bridge installation 

was one of the more 

difficult ones we have 

been involved with. Every 

obstacle we ran into was 

overcome by engaging 

with our partners and 

staff, and coming up 

with unique solutions 

to difficult problems.”

—K.C. Briggs, Cottage 

Grove District Ranger 

“

48

Improving access and 

maintaining infrastructure

The Forest Service is working with partners to sustain 

and improve infrastructure that better meets the 

needs of employees, visitors, and other users.

 IMPROVED/

RECONSTRUCTED

391 MILES 

of roads

7 

NEW 

BRIDGES

constructed 

AWARDED 11 

BRIDGE 

PROJECTS

for construction and/

or replacement

DECOMMISSIONED 

66 MILES

of system and nonsystem roads to achieve 

a more sustainable 

road system

COMMITMENT: INSPIRE AND EMPOWER 

EMPLOYEES THROUGH A RESPECTFUL, 

SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The Forest Service is committed to creating and 

maintaining a work environment in which all people 

are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.

50
This is 

who 

we are

When our agency’s PURPOSE serves as 

our North Star, when we focus on building 

strong RELATIONSHIPS with people and 

communities, and when we base everything 

we do on our agency’s shared VALUES, 

we bring our agency’s mission to life.

Diversity, Equity, 

and Inclusion 

sessions, trainings, 

and projects

Listen and Learn, 

Stand Up for Each 

Other, Bystander 

Intervention trainings 

across the region

“

Thank you to each and every Forest Service 

employee, volunteer, partner, and contractor 

for all you do. Caring for the land goes hand 

in hand with caring for each other. Without 

one we can’t have the other. I encourage you 

to keep up the excellent work and foster the 

workplace environment we all need and deserve.”

— Glenn Casamassa, Regional Forester
REINFORCING OUR COMMITMENT 

TO A RESPECTFUL, SAFE WORKING 

ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL

Everything we do depends on a safe, respectful work environment 

where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. 

Only by ensuring that everyone is welcome and valued for their 

contributions – from employees, to partners and volunteers, to 

the public we serve – can we fulfill our mission and live up to our 

agency’s highest ideals. Over the past year, units across the region 

have participated in trainings and workplace engagements to help 

us further this critical work. We look forward to continuing these 

efforts, working together to create the workplace we deserve. 

Established the 

Regional Employees 

Advisory Group 

on Workplace 

Environment

Middle leader 

and senior leader 

training sessions to 

develop employee 

leadership skills

Training and 

engagement 

sessions 

for forest 

frontliner staff

New employee 

orientations at 

the regional level 

and forest level

“6 Minutes for 

Respect” and 

“6 Minutes for 

Safety” sessions 

52
USDA FOREST SERVICE

CARING FOR THE LAND, SERVING PEOPLE

www.fs.usda.gov/r6 yournorthwestforests.org

YourNWForests ForestServiceNW yournwforests

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