“Campfire Conversations” on the Blue Mountain Forest Plan set for Baker City and Enterprise
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
BAKER CITY/ENTERPRISE– (Release from Wallowa Resources) With the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision in its public comment period, the Northern Blues Forest Collaborative hosts a series of free, family-friendly campfire conversations in Enterprise and Baker City.
The community-focused events will bring people together to learn more about the proposed Forest Plan, ask questions, hear different perspectives, and explore the choices and tradeoffs involved in managing public lands across the Blue Mountains.
The Campfire Conversations are not official US Forest Service public meetings or advocacy events. Instead, they are designed to provide a welcoming and informal space where community members can better understand the issues before developing and submitting their own public comments.
Through facilitated small-group conversations, participants will explore questions such as:
● Should some large trees be removed to reduce wildfire risk?
● How should forests along streams and rivers be managed?
● Are enough acres being restored to make a meaningful difference?
● How can forest management balance wildfire resilience, wildlife habitat, clean water,
recreation, Tribal stewardship, and local economies?
We know public meetings at dinner time are a struggle,” said Katy Nesbitt, chair of the Forest
Collaborative. “We planned these events so that families could attend, ask questions of Forest
Service and other local natural resource professionals in a relaxed atmosphere, and have dinner on us.”
The events are open to everyone. No previous knowledge of the Forest Plan Revision is required.
Food and drinks will be provided, and children are encouraged.
Campfire Conversation Schedule
Enterprise
Thursday, August 13
5 – 8 p.m.
Wallowa County Fairgrounds Food Booth
600 NW 1st Street
Enterprise, Oregon
For more information or to RSVP: https://northernbluescollaborative.org/events/enterprise-campfire
Baker City
Wednesday, September 2
5 – 8 p.m.
Churchill School
3451 Broadway Street
Baker City, Oregon
For more information or to RSVP: https://northernbluescollaborative.org/events/bakercity-campfire
Whether someone has been involved in the Forest Plan Revision for years or is only beginning to learn about it, the Campfire Conversations offer an opportunity to enjoy good food, participate in thoughtful discussion, and connect with neighbors who may see the forests differently but care about them just as deeply.
About the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision
The US Forest Service is revising the land management plans for the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur national forests. These plans will guide how the national forests are managed for decades to come.
The public comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement opened July 2 and closes September 30.
Community members who cannot attend a Campfire Conversation are still encouraged to review the proposed plan and participate in the public comment process.
Forest Plan Revision information:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/umatilla/planning/blue-mountains-forest-plan-revision
The Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision Draft Environmental Impact Statement:
https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PinyonPublic/folder/208417236164
Comments may be submitted:
Online:
https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=301397
By email:
sm.fs.bluesforests@usda.gov
Written comments should be included as an attachment.
By mail:
Umatilla National Forest Supervisor’s Office
Attn: Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision
72510 Coyote Road
Pendleton, OR 97801
Additional guidance is available in the Forest Service’s How to Comment handout.
About the Northern Blues Forest Collaborative
The Northern Blues Forest Collaborative brings together diverse interests to improve the health and resilience of forests, watersheds, communities, and local economies across the northern Blue Mountains. The collaborative creates opportunities for shared learning, respectful dialogue, and practical problem-solving among people with different experiences and perspectives. Visit northernbluescollaborative.org for more information.
