The Forest Service is in the initial scoping comment phase for the Youngs Rock Rigdon Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This project is located on the upper Middle Fork Willamette River about 15 miles southeast of Oakridge, OR.
The Forest Service Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and the Rigdon Collaboration Committee (RCC) have worked collaboratively to develop the Rigdon Landscape Analysis in order to benefit the ecological health and function of the landscape. The first NEPA project, Youngs Rock Rigdon, will guide management actions within 33,000 acres north of the Middle Fork Willamette River. The RCC participated in two years of learning sessions, field trips, and multiple roundtable discussions to learn from each other and resource specialists about the landscape. The learning opportunities allowed the RCC to provide well-informed recommendations to the Forest Service IDT to develop the Rigdon Landscape Analysis.
The Youngs Rock Rigdon project area is approximately 33,000 acres in size. Forest management/restoration treatments are proposed on approximately 6,700 acres within the project area. Commercial harvest treatments include skips, thinning with gaps, and early seral creation. Road work included in the proposed action would include road maintenance and reconstruction on approximately 160 miles of forest roads, and decommissioning on about 12 miles of roads. Fuel treatments, aquatic and meadow restoration treatments, trail relocation, and dispersed site management are also major components of this project. Visit https://go.usa.gov/xyYa4 for more details about this project.
During this scoping phase, members of the public have the opportunity to comment on and ask questions about the specifics of the project. Contact NEPA Planner Jonathan Tucker at (541) 782-5346 or at jonathan.tucker@usda.gov with questions. The Southern Willamette Forest Collaborative is also available to discuss the project. Written comments can be dropped off or sent to the Middle Fork Ranger District Office and addressed to:
Jonathan Tucker
Middle Fork Ranger District Planner
46375 Hwy 58
Westfir, OR 97492