BLM Approves 304-Acre Forest Thinning Project to Reduce Wildfire Risk Near Adin
ALTURAS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management has approved a project to thin overgrown forest and reduce hazardous fuels on approximately 304 acres of public land, southwest of Adin, to help protect rural communities in northeastern California from wildfire.
The Letterbox Forest Health and Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project will restore more open ponderosa pine forests by reducing excess vegetation, improving forest health and removing fuels that can carry flames into tree canopies. Work is expected to begin in fall 2026 or spring 2027 and be completed by 2029 under a stewardship contract.
“By reducing hazardous fuels and restoring more open ponderosa pine forest conditions, we can improve forest health and resilience while helping reduce the risk of severe wildfires that threaten nearby communities.” said Kevin Kunkel with the BLM’s Applegate Field Office.
The project area was harvested in 1958 and 1988 to remove mature ponderosa pine trees and promote the growth of smaller trees. Since then, the forest has become densely stocked, departing from historical conditions characterized by large trees and open, park-like stands.
Crews will thin trees, reduce canopy cover, and remove smaller trees and other vegetation that can act as ladder fuels, allowing flames to climb from the forest floor into tree canopies. Larger trees will be retained, while openings and tree groupings will promote forest diversity and improve wildlife habitat.
Mechanical equipment will be used where terrain allows, while chainsaws will be used in steep or rocky areas. Crews may also prune retained trees to reduce vertical fuel continuity.
Woody debris will be piled for burning, and suitable biomass may be chipped and transported to a nearby facility if feasible. Broadcast burning may also be used to reduce fuel loads and reintroduce fire as a natural ecological process. Prescribed burns will follow an approved burn plan and occur when conditions are appropriate.
The BLM will improve approximately six miles of existing roads to support operations and may construct up to one-half mile of temporary road. Any temporary roads constructed for the project will be decommissioned within three years.
The project supports the Lassen County Fire Safe Comprehensive Wildfire Protection Plan and the CAL FIRE Lassen-Modoc Unit Strategic Fire Plan.
Maintenance treatments are planned for 15 to 20 years to sustain the benefits of the work. Designated treatment areas will also be available for fuelwood collection under applicable BLM requirements.
More information is available on the BLM’s Letterbox Forest Health and Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project page. Contact the BLM Applegate Field Office at 530-279-6101 for more information.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.