NRCS Oregon and the Oregon Department of Forestry are lead partners for the East Oregon Forest Restoration project covering Umatilla, Wallowa, Baker, Union counties. The project, funded through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), involves collaboration from 11 partners to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and improve water quality and stream habitat in the Northern Blues area of Eastern Oregon.

An overstocked forest stand negatively impacts a forest ecosystem. Densely packed forest stands increase the potential for catastrophic wildfire to spread quickly in an unmanageable way, threatening the community, ecosystem and local economy. Overstocked stands stress the trees and force competition for resources necessary for growth and resilience. Pests and disease are incredibly common in overstocked stands. 

Thinning the undesirable species - such as white fir - to allow space for the desired species opens up the canopy and allows snow to accumulate on the forest floor. Snowmelt recharges the soil and groundwater to provide streamflow throughout the summer. Groundwater recharge not only encourages growth of trees and plants on the forest floor, but increases the ability of the forest to survive wildfire. 

More water and plants available allow wildlife species to make habitat and graze on the land, providing symbiotic benefits to the soil, plants and trees growing. This project highlights a full circle system that not only increases the resiliency of the forest ecosystem but also enhances water quality and quantity in the area.

Learn more about the RCPP project and reach out to your local county contacts to apply for funding here.