There’s a tiny stretch of land in Northeastern Oregon that can inspire lofty descriptions like this: “An amazing treasure,” said Peter Barry, who lives in Joseph, Oregon. “I don’t want to extol its virtues too much because it’s already so crowded.”
The Lostine Corridor is a narrow strip of land, surrounded by the designated wilderness. For 11 miles, it reaches up into the Eagle Cap, making it one of the most popular entrances to Oregon’s largest wilderness area. Running through the corridor is the Lostine, a National Wild and Scenic River.
“Out of it comes this crystal clear, wild river,” Barry said. “I’ve been all around the West, and the Lostine River Corridor is a rare beauty.” That rarity is why many people are concerned about this piece of forest. It’s soon to be home to a controversial thinning project that’s backed residents into separate corners.
The project is igniting a debate over what constitutes forest thinning for wildfire prevention and forest health. Critics see it as exploitation of a loophole — and perhaps the start of a trend in increased logging in the name of forest health across the West. Supporters say it’s a project that needs to get off the ground soon.
The U.S. Forest Service says hazardous trees riddle the Lostine — trees dead from bug infestations and disease. District Ranger Kris Stein said removing those trees also reduces wildfire risk.
From KUOW.org: https://kuow.org/post/controversial-logging-project-debated-ne-oregon