GSA awards new lease for U.S. Forest Service in Joseph
By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
JOSEPH – (Release from the U.S. Forest Service) Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is entering into a 20-year lease agreement with Probert Family Ranches, LLC for a new U.S. Forest Service Ranger District Office for the Wallowa Valley and Eagle Cap Ranger Districts and the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The lease award was based on a competitive procurement process.
“GSA is proud to assist the Forest Service in securing a new, long-term home in Northeastern Oregon,” said Lisa Pearson, Acting Regional Commissioner of GSA’s Public Buildings Service. “The new facility will provide the Forest Service with a space specifically-designed to support their mission.”
The new office will be located at 84083 Alpine Lane in Joseph. The approximately 10,000-square-foot facility will feature a modern, secure reception area; a meeting area for the public to interact with Forest Service employees; and accessible parking for vehicles of all sizes.
“A functional and modern place to conduct business is critical to providing the best possible service to the communities and visitors we serve,” said Brian Anderson, Wallowa Mountains District Ranger. “It has been a long time since our office was impacted by the fire and I am looking forward to a new home for the Wallowa Mountains and Hells Canyon Offices that our employees and the community can be proud of.”
A 2010 building fire destroyed the former District Offices, which were located on the hill above Enterprise, Oregon. Since that time, the Forest Service has temporarily occupied the former Joseph Elementary School located at 201 E 2nd Street in Joseph. The current lease is set to expire in January 2024.The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest will share updates as renovations are made and a transition date between the two offices is scheduled.
