Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to begin Oregon Eastside Forest Health project work

Hood River, OR, March 13, 2026- The Forest Service in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (CRGNSA) is pleased to announce that we are beginning implementation of the Oregon Eastside Forest Health and Resilience project to improve forest health and reduce the risk of wildfire to communities in the National Scenic Area. 

This is the first step in a Scenic Area-wide approach and will occur on National Forest System lands in Oregon between Mitchell Point and The Dalles. 

As wildland fires become bigger and fire season gets longer projects like this help keep forests healthier and reduce the risk of catastrophic effects from wildfire. These treatments are occurring near homes and communities throughout the Gorge, helping keep safe our vibrant communities and visitors. 

Reducing the risk of large fires will improve forest health and landscape resilience so that disturbance events do not lead to devastating loss. 

Forest resilience treatments will include combinations of thinning and prescribed fire. Work will begin in the spring of 2026 and continue for the next several years. 

“This project is about protecting the people, communities and special places in the Gorge from the growing threat of wildfire. It’s the first step in a multi-year, multi-state effort.” said Casey Gatz, Acting Forest Supervisor for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

For further information, please visit: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

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