Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Biscuit Fire Recovery

The Biscuit Fire, located in southern Oregon and northern California, began on July 13, 2002 and reached 499,965 acres. Estimated to be one of Oregon's largest in recorded history, the Biscuit Fire encompassed most of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. The boundary of the Biscuit Fire stretches from 10 miles east of the coastal community of Brookings, Oregon; south into northern California; east to the Illinois Valley; and north to within a few miles of the Rogue River.

The fire burned in a mosaic pattern; approximately 20% of the area burned lightly, with less than 25% of the vegetation killed. Another 50% of the area burned very hot, with more than 75% of the vegetation killed. Many acres of critical habitat for wildlife burned, and the late seral and old growth stands that remain are very precious.

Recovery of the fire area is progressing. Visitors will see flowers, brush and hardwoods re-sprouting amidst the burned trees. In the Cave Junction area, locals and visitors alike have enjoyed the annual return of salmon, watching the mighty fish jump at ‘the little falls’ on the Illinois River

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has been active; making progress re-building trails and the Snow Camp Lookout, restoring safe roads through the salvage of dead trees along the transportation system, and reforesting burned lands.

Biscuit Fire Salvage Sales Facts

Biscuit Fire Salvage Sale Timeline

Responses to Questions Asked by the House and Senate Committee Appropriations concerning the Biscuit Fire in southern Oregon - March 2006

Responses (53 KB PDF)

Biscuit EIS

New Information Assessment (364 KB PDF) (April 2006)

GAO Report - Biscuit Fire Recovery Project

Analysis of Project Development, Salvage Sales, and Other Activities (2,334 KB PDF) (September 2006)

"Truth": A Casualty of the Biscuit Fire

Scott Conroy, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Supervisor (90 KB PDF) (May 7, 2007)

Biscuit Fire Salvage Consolidated Sale Map

This map includes the 14 Biscuit Fire Salvage Timber Sales that have been implemented from the 2004 Biscuit Fire Recovery Project Records of Decision. The Blackberry Fire Salvage Sale (shown on the map) is scheduled to be auctioned during the summer of 2006. The map shows the fire perimeter, Kalmiopsis Wilderness, inventoried roadless areas, and fire salvage sale units.

Map (1,029 KB PDF) June 2006

Higher Resolution Map (5,379 KB PDF) June 2006

Mike's Gulch Fire Salvage

This is a view of the Mike’s Gulch Fire Salvage Sale Area. The green areas are riparian buffers. These green areas will not be timber harvested. Mike’s Gulch Fire Salvage Sale will continue to be roadless after the helicopter logging operations are concluded. All salvage work will be completed by helicopter. No new roads will be constructed.

Link to More Photos...

NEWS RELEASE: Forest Service Closes Road to Mike's Gulch Fire Salvage Sale to Protect Public Health, Safety and Property - 08/08/2006

• Special Closure Order RSF-090 1,203 KB PDF
• Map of Closure 3,538 KB PDF