Gifford Pinchot National Forest

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

Forest News

Submission period for 2009/2010 Title II Projects has ended

2009 Storm Damage

Other Forest News

• Johnston Ridge Observatory to Reopen for the Summer on May 17.  The Johnston Ridge Observatory will reopen for the season on Sunday, May 17. The visitor center will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October. Admission to Johnston Ridge and Coldwater Lake is $8 per person, kids 15 and under are free.  Admission will be Free on the 29th Anniversary of the Eruption – Monday, May 18th.  (May 04, 2009)

• Project to Remove Hemlock Dam and Restore Trout Creek.  A significant steelhead run will benefit from a project on the Forest near the former Wind River Nursery north of Carson, Wash.  The Forest and Mount Adams Ranger District, will host an open house on Saturday May 16, 2009 to provide information regarding Trout Creek restoration, and the removal of Hemlock Dam.  (April 24, 2009)

• Firewood Permits Available from Mt. Adams and Mount St. Helens Offices.  Personal use firewood permits for this year will go on sale starting Friday, May 1, 2009 and will continue through November 30. The end of firewood season coincides with the wildlife winter range road closures for both districts.  (April 17, 2009)

• Packwood Administrative Site Decision Signed. The former Packwood Ranger Station will soon be available for a different purpose thanks to a recently signed Environmental Assessment (EA) by Janine Clayton, Forest Supervisor, Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Once the paid notice announcing the signed decision is published in the Vancouver Columbian, a 45-day appeal period will begin. At the end of the appeal period, the Forest Service will work with the General Services Administration to list the former Ranger Station for sale to the highest bidder. (April 13, 2009)

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 Forest asked for public help in this process. We looked at the campgrounds, viewpoints and trailheads and how they should be managed in the future. It was decided that some sites should be improved, others stay the same and some should be closed. It is an ongoing process and the public is encouraged let the Forest know how they feel about their favorite places in the Forest.

• 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.

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