Oregon Forest Service plan could triple logging in Blue Mountains, sparking carbon storage debate

The U.S. Forest Service has proposed a new management plan for the Blue Mountains in eastern Oregon that could triple logging across 5.5 million acres of national forest. The draft plan, open for public comment until September 30, 2026, would allow more logging, mining, and grazing in the Malheur, Ochoco, Wallowa-Whitman, and Umatilla national forests. Officials say the changes are needed to reduce wildfire risk and support local economies, but environmental groups argue the plan threatens carbon storage, water quality, and wildlife habitat. A key part of the proposal would rescind the Eastside Screens rule that protects trees over 21 inches in diameter from logging. The plan also assumes Congress will repeal the Roadless Rule, which would open an additional 17% of the Blue Mountains to logging. Forest scientist Bev Law found that protected wilderness areas in the Blue Mountains hold the second highest proportion of above-ground carbon stocks in Oregon. The public comment period runs through September 30, 2026.