Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Photo: Horseshoe lake in November-Tom Savage

Forest News

For Sale - former Packwood Ranger Station property

This commercial property consists of the former

Packwood Ranger Station which will be auctioned on-line and sold as one property. The property is located at 13068 US Highway 12, Packwood, WA 98361 and consists of 20.50 acres and 22 buildings in picturesque downtown Packwood.
Link to more information:
Property Flyer

GSA Real Property website

Langille Fire - Fire Cam (Fire Cam is off line for this season)

The next generation of fire fighters is bringing the technology they grew up with into the woods with them – and it might just revolutionize fire management. (learn more)

Hemlock Dam – Dam Cam

Work is completed in the removal of Hemlock Dam north of Carson , Wash. Much of the work to restore Trout Creek as a free flowing stream -- enhancing Lower Columbia Steelhead habitat in the Wind River drainage -- has been completed. (learn more)

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument – VolcanoCams

Johnston Ridge Observatory and the Volcanocams are located at an elevation of approximately 4,500 feet, about five miles from the volcano. (learn more)

2009 Storm Damage

Other Forest News

• Landslide threatens closure of Forest Road 25/Lowering snow levels begin to close access to Forest roads (November 10, 2009)
  
• Christmas Tree Permits available November 20 (November 6, 2009)
  
• Construction completed on many roads in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest (September 28, 2009)
  
• Forest Road 8322 temporarily closed for bridge replacement (September 21, 2009)
  
• Forest Hosts 11th Annual Pick Up the Pinchot, Public Lands Day events (September 14, 2009)
  
  
• Northwest Youth Corps Crews give Mt Adams Trails a Facelift (NYC News Release, August 21, 2009)
  
  
• Commercial Huckleberry Permits Available August 10th.  Forest officials announced today that commercial huckleberry permits for the Forest will be available beginning August 10. (August 03, 2009)

• USDA Secretary Vilsack Announces Economic Recovery Projects For Facilities Maintenance at Mount St. Helens, and Forest Recreation Sites.  Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument will receive $6.282 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to enhance visitor amenities and do needed maintenance and upgrades at the National Volcanic Monument and other Forest facilities.  (July 24, 2009)

• Webcam Allows Viewing of Hemlock Dam Removal and
  Restoration of Trout Creek.  Work is now underway to remove Hemlock Dam north of Carson, Wash., and restore Trout Creek as a free flowing stream and enhance Lower Columbia Steelhead habitat in the Wind River drainage. If you can’t visit the site in person to watch the restoration work, which will occur through the summer, you can now log on and visit the site remotely via a live webcam. (July 21 2009)

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• Weed-free Feed Now Required to Help Reduce Invasive Weeds.  As part of a larger effort to reduce invasive species on national forest lands nationwide, weed-free feed is now required on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and all national forests and national grasslands of the Pacific Northwest. This follows a requirement in 2007 that weed-free feed be used in Pacific Northwest Wildernesses. (July 17, 2009)

Smokey Bear turns 65 this year on August 9th. Since 1944, Smokey has educated generations of Americans about their critical role in wildfire prevention through his message, "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires." Smokeybear.com - a web site sponsored by the Ad Council, U.S. Forest Service, and National Association of State Foresters - is a rich source of information and resources about Smokey. At smokeybear.com you'll find a kid's section with games and stories, a vault that contains stories and imagery of and about Smokey over the years, teacher's resources, and valuable information on wildfire science and wildfire prevention. Celebrate Smokey's 65th birthday with us by using this resource to learn more about wildfires, the people who fight them, and your role in prevention.

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.

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