Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Photo: Mt. Adams from Takhlakh Lake, by John Craig

Forest News

2009/2010 Title II Submission Form and Instructions

2009 Storm Damage

Other Forest News

• Winter Storm May Limit Forest Access. As a strong wet storm makes landfall in the Pacific Northwest visitors to the Forest need to use caution and expect to encounter slides, water over roadways, and downed trees on Forest roads. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Southwest Washington and other areas in Oregon and Washington. Visitors to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest should check conditions before driving on Forest roads over the coming days. (January 07, 2009)

• Public Encouraged to Submit Applications for 2009 and 2010 Forest Project Funding. Beginning January 9, 2009 the public is encouraged to propose projects designed to improve Gifford Pinchot National Forest lands and the rural economies of local counties.  The submitted projects will be considered for 2009 and 2010 project year funding.  Project funding was made available through Title II funds under the reauthorized Secure Rural School and Community Self-Determination Act (Public Law 110-343.  Completed project applications must be received by February 9, 2009.  Project application forms will be available at the Forest's website.  (December 31, 2008)

• Heavy Snowfall Limits Access to Mount St. Helens Sno-Parks. Heavy snowfall and malfunctioning equipment has delayed plowing to the Marble Mountain Sno-Park on the south side of Mount St. Helens. Many other Gifford Pinchot National Forest Sno-Parks open.  (December 31, 2008)

• Web Site Offers a Virtual Flight over Mount St. Helens. New video clips recently added to the Mount St. Helens web site now allow visitors to take a virtual flight over the National Volcanic Monument. These images were provided courtesy of Immersive Media of Portland, Oregon which shot the video under a special use permit this past spring. (December 12, 2008)

• Some Forest Roads Still Open Until Closed by Snow. With no snow forecast for the Cascades during the coming week, and little to no snow accumulation on most Forest roads, winter road closures that are normally established near Sno-Parks will be delayed until they are closed by snowfall. Roads which normally close December 1 for Wildlife Winter Range are now closed. (December 05, 2008)
  

Getting Involved in Your National Forest

• Recreation Facilities Analysis - Many of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest’s developed recreation sites were built 30-50 years ago and are in need of significant investment in basic maintenance or improvements. The Recreation Facility Analysis process involves several steps: gathering inventory and financial data; identifying the forest recreation niche; evaluating each developed recreation site against established national criteria (including conformance with the forest niche, financial efficiency, and environmental and community sustainability); and ranking the recreation sites according to those criteria. Using this analysis tool, the Forest is drafting a proposed program of work for the next five years.

• White Pass Expansion - The White Pass Expansion Record of Decision and Final Environmental Impact Statement are now available. (22 June 2007) News Release 27 June 2007 - Environmental Document and Record of Decision Released for Review

• Payments to Counties (RAC): The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-393) provides an alternative to the former 25% formula which gives counties funds based on Forest Service receipts from logging, grazing, recreation, and other activities on national public lands.

• Regional Invasive Plant Environmental Impact Statement: The purpose of our project is to enhance the ability of Forests in the Pacific Northwest Region to protect native ecosystems from invasive, non-native plants. This action will build on the Region’s existing program by developing Forest Plan standards that allow for more effective prevention and timely management of invasive plants. 

• National Forest Foundation - The National Forest Foundation brings people together to protect our National Forests and Grasslands. As the nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service, engaging America in community-based and national programs that promote the health and public enjoyment of the National Forest System. Helping the U.S. Forest Service fulfill its mission to "care for the land and serve people," the foundation works in close collaboration with local people and communities.

Keep informed of exciting happenings and opportunities on your National Forests by signing up for the National Forest Foundation tree-mail™ monthly e-newsletter.