Wallowa Whitman National Forest, La Grande Ranger District 2026 Fuels Reduction Fall Viewing

THIS SPECIAL NOTICE IS ISSUED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FALL VIEWING, OF THE PROJECT SITE, PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF THE SOLICITATION. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL/QUOTE. The Forest Service anticipates issuing a full solicitation at a time when the project sites will likely be covered in snow or access is unavailable due to winter closures. Interested vendors are encouraged to visit the site prior to closure for a full understanding and, if desired, take photos or videos.

The overall objective of this project is to provide a safe working environment for firefighters by improving forest health and resilience. Improving their probability of success in suppressing wildfires on Forest Service land within the Sheep, Sandbox, Cove, Mt. Emily, Two Eagle, Meadow Creek thinning and Limber Jim project areas as well as adjacent Forest Service lands.  This project will provide strategic defendable space for the Cities of La Grande and Cove, the Starkey Experimental Forest, La Grande Watershed, Mt. Fanny and Mt. Emily radio sites, and Breshears ATV trail system in addition to reducing the impact of wildfire to multiple adjacent private properties, structures, and other values across the La Grande Ranger District.

The La Grande Ranger District 2026 Fuels Reduction Project consists of 1,875 acres of lop and scatter thinning, 2,125 acres of thin and hand piling, 1,276 acres of  thin and grapple piling, 1,099 acres of mechanical thinning (mastication) and 690 acres of RHCA thinning.  All units exist within the La Grande Ranger District boundaries in multiple projects areas. For specific unit requirements and specifications see the attachment to this posting.