Umatilla National Forest

Tollgate Analysis Area

Analysis Area Map / Background / What have we done so far? / Proposed Action / Timelines / For More Information

The Walla Walla Ranger District of the Umatilla National Forest is conducting an assessment process to identify fuels reduction and forest stand density projects in the Tollgate area. (analysis area map)

On October 19, 2010, district officials began the scoping process by announcing their intent to develop an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and releasing a Proposed Action.

Tollgate scoping commenced on October 19 with publication in the Federal Register.

Background:

In 2005, Umatilla County's Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) identified the Upper 204/Tollgate Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) area as a priority for fuels reduction projects to lessen the impact of wildfire on lives, property, and the landscape.

We feel it’s important to discuss and coordinate wildfire risk reduction strategies across land ownerships, so prior to developing any project proposals, we want to visit with the public in a collaborative process to identify public interests and project ideas. Our goal is to complete a Proposed Action for fuels reduction and forest stand density actions in the Tollgate Analysis Area.

We hope to utilize the authorities granted under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act (HFRA) of 2003. HFRA allows us (Forest Service) to streamline our planning process for hazardous fuels reduction projects located within a designated Wildland-Urban Interface.

The HFRA process places emphasis on public collaboration in the development of hazardous fuels reduction projects. We are engaging the public in this collaborative process in order to obtain community input about the actions needed for the Tollgate area.

All are welcomed to participate in this effort!

What have we done so far?

September 17 - Public Meeting

We held our first public meeting at Tollgate on September 17, 2008, initiating a collaborative process with the public to identify future projects in the Tollgate Analysis area. The meeting was attended by over 50 members of the public, not including a number of representatives from the Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), and Umatilla County. Presentations that evening included:

• Role of fire in the ecosystem
• History of fire in the Tollgate area
• Current condition of the forest and rangeland ecosystem
• Discussion on wildfire risks modeling tools
• ODF led discussion of fire protection on private land
• Overview of the Umatilla County Community Wildfire Protection Plan

In closing, we asked if anyone would be interested in continuing in a collaborative effort to develop an effective fuels reduction process. Future meetings would focus on utilizing local landowner knowledge and public interest, combined with agency expertise. Five participants volunteered to meet again. September 17, 2008 Meeting Notes

November 19, 2008 Public Meeting

Nine people attended the first public collaborative discussion meeting on November 19, 2008 at Tollgate. The goal was to introduce participants to the collaborative process and available planning tools. Maps of the analysis area and the most recent round of wildfire modeling runs were distributed to participants to review and note areas of particular interest or concern. The next meeting was scheduled for January 22, where maps will be brought back for discussion. November 18, 2008 Meeting Notes and Handouts (3.1 mb)

January 22, 2009 Public Meeting

The public collaborative group met for a second time on January 22, to review objectives for this collaborative process and to identify areas of concern and possible treatment themes for the Tollgate Analysis Area. David King, Unit Forester for the Pendleton Unit-Oregon Dept. of Forestry, gave an update on future projects and grant opportunities for fuels reduction projects on private lands that would tie in well with the Forest's objectives for the analysis area. January 22, 2008 Meeting Notes

May 21, 2009 Public Meeting

The public collaborative group met for a third and final time on May 21, to review the treatment themes developed at the January 22 meeting and to discuss the types of treatments that may be used to accomplish the project objectives. David King, Unit Forester for the Pendleton Unit-Oregon Dept. of Forestry, discussed the status of Fire Plan and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants. Brett Thomas, Fire Management Officer on the Walla Walla Ranger District went over the project timeline. May 21, 2009 Meeting Notes

November 4, 2010 Public Meeting

A public meeting was held November 4, to discuss the Proposed Action for proposed fuel reduction projects in the Tollgate analysis area. The proposal reflects input received over the past two years through the collaborative process and forest managers are looking for comments to help improve the current proposal and meet project objectives. Kimpton Cooper reviewed Healthy Forest Restoration Act (HFRA) authorities and the collaborative process to date. Tyson Albrecht gave an overview of the proposed action and the rational behind the proposed projects. Hans Rudolf, Stewardship Forester for the Oregon Department of Forestry was on hand to discuss actions of private lands. November 4, 2010 Meeting Notes

Timelines:

Tollgate Fuels Reduction Project - NEPA Schedule
Public Scoping: October through November 2010
Analysis Document ready for public review: late Spring 2011
Decision: Fall 2011
Implementation: 2012 and beyond

For more information:

If you are interested in learning more about the Tollgate Analysis Area and the collaborative process, or would like to obtain meeting handouts and maps, please contact Kimpton Cooper, Walla Walla District Environmental Coordinator, at (509) 522-6009 or visit the Walla Walla Ranger District Office at 1415 West Rose, Walla Walla, Washington.

USDA Forest Service - Umatilla National Forest
Last Modified:  Wednesday, 05-Jan-2011 14:24:35 EST