Forest Restoration Strategy

Numerous scientific studies have shown the 4-million-acre Okanogan-Wenatchee N.F. is experiencing uncharacteristically severe fires, insect infestations, disease epidemics, habitat loss and hydrologic events that cause massive erosion. Climate change will exacerbate these threats in the near future. Scientists generally agree active, landscape-scale restoration is needed if the forest is to become resilient to these threats. 

Forest Service managers and research scientists have worked hard developing the Okanogan-Wenatchee N.F. Restoration Strategy to address these threats. The Restoration Strategy uses analyses that efficiently examine vast forest landscapes. It also helps managers prioritize finite land management resources, while comparing historic, current and future forest conditions in a warming climate. This streamlines project planning, helping managers to treat more acres faster. 

The Restoration Strategy drives project design with defined ecological outcomes, such as reduced fire risk or improved wildlife habitat connectivity. Restoration Strategy activities can include conducting controlled burns, repairing or closing roads, and thinning small or diseased trees. Restoration projects may or may not produce merchantable timber.

Goals

• Make our forests and watersheds resilient to disturbances (like fire) and to climate change
• Collaborate with a variety of partners and adapt our strategy to new information and changing conditions

See the links below and at right for more information on the Restoration Strategy. Also at right is a link to definitions of restoration-related terms, some of which are in bold below. You can also download the full 119-page 2012 Restoration Strategy document. For more information on implementation of the Strategy, see this page. You can also see our Projects & Partners or read our FAQs.

Watch a short video about the Restoration Strategy

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Vision

Restore forest patterns, processes, and functions to increase resilience to climate change and to disturbances

Mission

Work collaboratively and strategically across landscapes to double our restoration footprint within the next 10 years

Strategy

Focus on desired restoration outcomes and measurable successes. Continue to adapt based on new science, changing conditions, and monitoring data

 

 

Contacts

For more information on the Restoration Strategy, please contact Richy Harrod, Deputy Fire Management Staff