Logging operations will proceed on portions of the Red Apple at MERA
By Paul Hall on Friday, January 7th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – Union County Commissioners accepted a proposal that will transpire into a contract to a local company for logging operations in portions of the Mount Emily Recreation Area. The contract went to ReedCo Forestry of Union County, which will include logging of the Red Apple area of MERA. The forest management work in the Red Apple area will be stretched to a two-year commitment instead of the proposed one-year project. Jesse Reed of ReedCo Forestry believes that it is in the best interest of all to expand the project timeline to allow 2 winter seasons for the project to be completed. Having an extended work window will allow for better protection of trails and allow for open public access during the spring/summer without interfering with any operations. Thinning and harvesting will take place this winter.
The project had been put on hold to allow Union County officials to receive input from the public. The public expressed concerns recently to the commissioners of trails being jeopardized. The Union County MERA Department has committed to restoring any trail damage incurred by the operation. According to Paul Anderes, Union County Commissioner said there will be some temporary closures. The purpose of the logging operation is for fire prevention and forest health.
