Forest Service plans 2,800-acre fuels reduction project around Black Butte Ranch to reduce wildfire threat

Thirty-day public comment period has begun, ends Nov. 7

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) –  The Deschutes National Forest announced Wednesday it is seeking input on the Black Butte Ranch Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Reduction project, a plan to treat 2,800 acres and reduce the threat of large wildfires to the resort community west of Sisters, which has been threatened by past blazes.

The purpose of the BBR WUI project is to maintain and restore resiliency and forest health as well as to reduce the potential risk of large-scale wildfires in the Black Butte Ranch area.

Officials said, "There is a need to reduce forest vegetation density and fuel loading to lessen the risk of large wildfires to nearby communities and key ecosystem components, such as large old trees. Proposed activities would improve the ability of trees to ward off insects and diseases by reducing stand density, competition, and moisture stress."

The project includes up to 2,800 acres of restoration actions on National Forest System lands adjacent to the Black Butte Ranch community on the Sisters Ranger District.

The proposed actions include a mix of commercial thinning, hand thinning, mowing and prescribed fire to meet forest resiliency needs. This project may include the closure of unauthorized roads and trails, as well as aspen stand improvements.

During the scoping period, a public field trip is planned for Thursday, October 24, to discuss the proposed action and visit potential treatment locations. If you would like to attend the field trip, please RSVP by phone or email to the project contact listed below.

The scoping newsletter can be viewed on the Deschutes National Forest website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/deschutes/?project=67053.

For questions about this project, contact Madison Anderson, NEPA Planner, by email at madison.anderson@usda.gov or by phone at 541-549-7735.

The 30-day comment period began Wednesday and closes Thursday, November 7.

Comments may be submitted electronically using CARA (Comment Analysis and Response Application). CARA is the preferred method for receiving comments because it allows for efficient analysis. Submit electronic comments using CARA at: https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=67053.

Comments may also be submitted by mail to Lauren DuRocher, District Ranger, Sisters Ranger District,694 North Larch Street, PO Box 249, Sisters, Oregon 97759. Hand-delivered comments may be delivered to 201 N. Pine St., Sisters, Oregon 97759 during normal business hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST, excluding holidays.

To stay informed on this project and future project proposals, subscribe to the Deschutes National Forest’s project mailing list. Visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/deschutes/landmanagement/projects and enter your email address in the “Email Updates” field under the “Current & Recent Forest NEPA Projects” header.