U.S. Forest Service funds 3.75-million-dollar Lostine Legacy Forest Project
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, May 18th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
LOSTINE – The U.S. Forest Service recently announced an $80 million dollar allocation from the Land and Water conservation fund to support 15 congressional approved Forest Legacy projects across the U.S. for 2026. As part of this allocation, the Lostine Forest, a 9,722-acre private forest property located near the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, will receive a $3,750,00 million dollar easement for various projects, including public access.
As written by the U.S. Forest service on Forest Legacy Funded Projects webpage:
“The Lostine Forest, a 9,772-acre property is seeking a conservation easement to provide permanent public access, fund forest health improvements, and to provide landscape-scale connectivity. This project borders and provides access to 12 miles of Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and is located near Lostine and Minam Wild & Scenic Rivers as well as two Forest Legacy Program projects.
The property is bisected by Bear Creek and Little Bear Creeks, which support anadromous fish and originate in the wilderness. Management under a conservation easement will improve forest health, water quality, habitat, improve access, and protect neighboring communities and Highway 82 from catastrophic fire.”
The Forest Legacy Program is an effort by the U.S. Forest service to support private forest landowners through increased timber production, outdoor recreation options, and long-term stewardship plans. In total, the Forest Service estimates that over 34,000 acres of privately owned forest land will be permanently conserved across the U.S. for 2026.
