Public comment period on Blue Mountain Forest Plan is now open
By Terry Murry on Saturday, July 4th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
PENDLETON – Officials for the Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman national forests have announced that the window is now open for the public to comment on the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The proposal would update and change use of forest lands into the future.
“The revision of our forest plans provides an opportunity to help shape our public lands over the next decade,” Wallowa-Whitman Supervisor Shaun McKinney is quoted as saying in a prepared statement. “These plans set the long-term framework for sustainable active management that helps reduce wildfire risk, improves forest conditions, and support the needs of our communities.”
The alternatives were developed from feedback in 2025. During that time, the forest officials say they received 4,471 unique comments. They say the plans address key issues such as active management, wildfire resilience, community protection, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, support for rural economies, and balancing multiple uses including grazing and timber. Public comments will help identify changes that are needed to the current plans to align with best available science, as well as laws and regulations, including Presidents Trump’s Executive Order 14225 – Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production to support American economies and improve forest health.
The Forest Service will announce upcoming engagement opportunities and post details on the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision website throughout the comment period.
For more details and to submit comments, visit the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/umatilla/planning/blue-mountains-forest-plan-revision.
