Upper Trout and Bridge Creeks Vegetation Management Project #68970

Ochoco National Forest is proposing tree thinning and fuels reduction for this project to create economic opportunities and increase timber supplies, reduce wildfire and tree insect/disease risks, and improve firefighter safety.

Dear Reader:

The Ochoco National Forest is proposing tree thinning, fuels reduction and associated supporting activities within approximately 56,000 acres for the Upper Trout and Bridge Creeks Vegetation Management Project.  The project would focus on retaining large, healthy, fire and drought resilient tree species which would have the best chance to survive wildfire events and re-establish conditions more similar to historic conditions. The project area is primarily located on the Lookout Mountain Ranger District but also includes a small portion of the Paulina Ranger District. The project area is centered approximately 38 miles from Prineville, Oregon and is roughly bounded by the forest boundary to the north, the western edge of the forest, the area just north of Bridge Creek Wilderness to the east, and National Forest System roads 2710, 2700 and 2630 to the south.

The Forest Service is authorized to use the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary’s Memorandum 1078-006 emergency situation determination under section 40807 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to carry out this project. Under this emergency authority, an environmental analysis (EA) would be developed to consider one proposed action and a no-action alternative. The project’s draft EA would be available for comment later in the year; although, would not be subject to pre-decisional administrative review (Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112-74) as implemented by Subparts A and B of 36 CFR part 218).

This letter starts the one-year timeline for completion of the Upper Trout and Bridge Creeks Vegetation Management Project EA. The proposed action is finalized and the Forest Supervisor has determined it is ready for interdisciplinary review pursuant to 7 CFR 1b.5(e)(1).

We welcome your comments and suggestions concerning the project since your input is valued and important to a successful outcome. Comments are appreciated any time; however, for them to be timely and considered, they should be received by midnight Pacific Time on April 3^rd, 2026. Details about the project and an explanation for how you can submit your comments are available in the project's webpage.

If you need additional information regarding the project, please contact Jon Kochersberger, Project Lead at jonathan.kochersberger@usda.gov

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