Agreement Looks To Promote Forest Restoration in Eastern Oregon

A new long-term agreement aimed at reducing wildfire risk and supporting rural jobs in eastern Oregon is moving forward.

The Malheur National Forest has signed a 20-year stewardship agreement with Iron Triangle, a John Day, OR-based forest restoration and wood products company. The agreement creates a framework for large-scale forest restoration, fuels reduction, timber harvesting, watershed improvements, and habitat projects across the forest.

Announcement Needed For The Local Community

The announcement comes as Grant County continues to recover from the closure of Malheur Lumber, which eliminated more than 200 jobs earlier this year. Iron Triangle, which employs more than 110 local workers, has acquired the mill’s manufacturing assets and is investing in local processing infrastructure.

This Adds Up To A Better Future For Eastern Oregon

The agreement could support treatment of roughly 5,000 acres and production of 25 million board feet of timber annually.

Click Here to learn more about this week's agreement.

“As a long-time champion of stewardship agreements that provide fresh and balanced solutions for rural Oregon communities, I am gratified that the Malheur National Forest and Iron Triangle have reached this 20-year accord,” said Senator Ron Wyden. “Jobs plus long-term predictability and wildfire reduction in these agreements all add up to a prescription for an even better future for residents and small businesses in Eastern Oregon.”

“This stewardship agreement is a huge win for our timber communities and our forests,” noted Senator Jeff Merkley. “It will create jobs, reduce wildfire risk, and generate healthier forests and streams. I love the stewardship model that has so many positive outcomes and I will continue to champion this approach in my role leading the Democrats on the Interior spending committee.”

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