As wildfires grow increasingly destructive across the nation, the Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA) takes action to mitigate fire risks in the most vulnerable areas called “firesheds.” This bipartisan legislation defines firesheds and introduces a comprehensive strategy to enhance forest management, streamline wildfire prevention efforts, and protect critical forestry projects from obstructive lawsuits. What Are…
The tragic wildfires in Los Angeles have reignited national discussions about forest management, wildland firefighting, smoke pollution, and water. Although these urban fires are not traditional forest fires, they underscore the critical need for effective vegetation management and robust water infrastructure and availability. Wildfires require three elements: fuel, oxygen, and heat. While weather conditions and…
Forests and grasslands are dynamic ecosystems that rely on natural disturbances, such as fire and storms, to maintain their health and biodiversity. However, decades of reduced timber harvesting and fire suppression have left many forests in need of active management to restore balance and provide critical habitat for wildlife. Active forest management, including practices like…
The scars left by severe wildfires across Oregon’s forests are not only a reminder of nature’s power but also of the critical need for immediate and decisive action to prevent future disasters. Dead and dying trees—referred to as snags—pose severe risks to public safety, firefighter effectiveness, and long-term forest health. Yet, contrary to claims, post-fire…
Don Healy graduated from Oregon State University in Forest Management in 1968. The three years following graduation were spent in the U.S. Army as it was the Vietnam War Era and it was better to volunteer than to be drafted. He worked for Boise Cascade in Northeast Oregon from 1971 to 1978 as an Acquisitions…
Rural voters turned out in record numbers in the 2024 election and were a decisive factor in the presidential race. Rural voters sent a strong message: Our voices can no longer be ignored in Washington, DC. For years, our timber communities have pleaded for active forest management to protect their homes from wildfire; keep nearby…
In a significant move towards improving forest management and reducing wildfire risks, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 8790, the Fix Our Forests Act. Sponsored by Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), the legislation received strong bipartisan support, passing with a vote of 268-151. The full Roll Call vote can…
Sydney Gleason served as an environmental journalism intern for Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities for the summer of 2024. Part 1 and Part 2 of her series on amending the Northwest Forest Plan was published in the Capital Press. HFHC’s environmental journalism internship encourages young journalists to learn how forest policy impacts our environment and communities.…
Two-and-a-half years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, you may be surprised to learn manufactured wood products constitute over 50% of the trade between the United States and Russia in 2024. As American sawmills in the West close their doors, Russian plywood imports are surging into U.S. markets. According to Wood Central, Russian plywood imports have…
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public comment through September 20 on its proposed National Old Growth Amendment that will affect how millions of acres of national forests will be managed. Conserving older forests is critical. But we’re concerned the amendment will add unnecessary bureaucratic delays that hinder the urgent forest health treatments needed to…