Collaboration on the Malheur National Forest

Malheur National Forest 1.7 Million acres Headwaters to Middle, South and main stem John Day Rivers 88% steelhead spawning in Middle Fork occurs on the Malheur N.F.

Malheur National Forest Issues Fire adapted ecosystems, frequent fire Successful fire suppression policy Overgrown forests with too many small trees

Community Impacts High unemployment Workforce: losing/lost trained workers Transition to smaller diameter logs –New method of business –New equipment needs/retooling –Cost is a barrier

Forest Products Industry - Mills Grant County  Malheur Lumber Company (John Day)  Operating since 1980s  Prairie Wood Products (Prairie City)  Not operating since 2009  Grant Western Wood Products (John Day)  Not operating since 2007 Harney County  Hines/Louisiana Pacific (Hines)  Not operating since 2007

BMFP’s Mission Blue Mountains Forest Partners is: a diverse group of stakeholders who work together to create and implement a shared vision to improve the resilience and well-being of forests and communities in the Blue Mountains

BMFP History Began when the County Government invited conservation interests to Grant County Expanded membership gradually: –include timber interests, ranchers, landowners, contractors, local government, conservationists, USFS, tribes Set ground rules and decision-making framework, zones of agreement Utilized third-party neutral facilitators (Sustainable Northwest)

Who is involved? County government Local community members Environmental stakeholders Industry stakeholders Local foresters & operators

Project Development Developed by BMFP in coordination with USFS Informed by 2 landscape analyses –Bigger Look –CFLRP

Projects Dads Creek: 7,200 ac. Damon: 19,000 ac. Soda Bear: 20,000 ac. Elk 16: 42,000 ac. Big Mosquito: 36,000 ac.

Successes Franklin/Johnson/Van Pelt vs. 21” Rule –Grand fir key –Moist mixed conifer 2011 CFLRP award –$2.5 million/year x 10 years 10-year IRSC stewardship contract Zones of Agreement

Successes Completed a strategic plan (2013) Secured 501(c)(3) nonprofit status (in process) Hired Executive Director (2013) Initiated multiparty monitoring Litigation-free since 2006!

For More Information: Vernita Ediger, Executive Director