Umatilla Forest leaders outline active-management plans and production goals for 2026

Umatilla Forest Supervisor Eric Watrud and North Fork John Day District Ranger Ardin Hoyt presented the Umatilla National Forest's 2026 program of work. Watrud said last year produced the highest forest-product output in over two decades and emphasized the need for active forest management to promote landscape health and community safety following recent catastrophic fires. Ranger Hoyt said the district has about 110,000 acres of vegetation projects and listed planned work including trail maintenance, western forest access improvements, rental cabin and campground upkeep, and potential bridge repair.

Watrud and Hoyt also noted new property acquisitions (the Desolation property) and ongoing allotment management; Watrud encouraged public input on NEPA and the Austin Project, reminding residents of a short comment window. Frances Preston asked about species identification and regulation impacts, which the presenters addressed by noting federal protections and NEPA processes. Projected production for the forest was described in the minutes as a target of about 110 million board feet over the next few years.