DES NF, BFR RD Post Fire Heritage Survey BPA Call

The Deschutes National Forest (DNF) seeks a cultural resource contractor to complete inventory, cultural resource documentation, and a technical report in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act for the Flat Top Fire Reforestation Project. In Fall 2024, the Flat Top Fire burned a significant portion of the southeast corner of the Bend- Fort Rock Ranger District of the Deschutes National Forest.

At this time, the district is considering potential reforestation projects within the fire perimeter in alignment with Forest Service direction. Located approximately 25 miles southeast of La Pine, Oregon and approximately 13 miles north of Fort Rock, Oregon in Lake County (T23S R13E & R14E; T24S R13E & R14E), the project area includes portions of Sugar Pine Ridge and segments of Forest Service (FS) Roads 18 and 22 (Figure 1).

Several ephemeral streams cross the survey area, but no permanent water features are present. Apart from the main roads noted above, several other FS system roads of varying conditions crisscross the project area providing access to survey areas. All survey areas are located within the 2024 Flat Top Fire burned area. Post-fire hazards, including overhead hazards from fire weakened trees, are common. There is also a high potential for blocked road access from downed trees.