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BLM seeks public input for proposed management plan in northeast Oregon

Oregon-Washington
Media Contact
Larisa Bogardus
BLM Office:
Vale District Office
cyclist on the South Fork Walla Walla Trailhead
Trail cam photo of cyclist on the South Fork Walla Walla Trailhead.

VALE, Ore. —The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments on proposed updates to the management plan for the South Fork Walla Walla Area of Environmental Concern (ACEC). BLM staff encourages community members to review and share comments by Sept. 10, 2025.

The management plan’s proposals include:

  • Trail and road restoration: Restore BLM Road 7699, improving access to the South Fork Walla Walla Trailhead, which connects to Forest Service Trail 3225 on the Umatilla National Forest.
  • Seasonal maintenance access: Allow restricted seasonal maintenance access to privately owned properties to the east.

Located along the river east of Milton-Freewater, these 2,000 acres of public land were designated as an ACEC in 1992 to protect fish, wildlife, riparian, and scenic values. Recent increases in recreation, the presence of additional threatened or endangered species, and repeated flood events have prompted a new analysis to ensure that the BLM is appropriately protecting the ACEC’s relevant and important values.

In February 2020, the area experienced significant flooding that resulted in extensive floodplain erosion and landslides within the ACEC. As a result, access roads and a significant portion of the trail connecting BLM lands to the National Forest were completely washed out.

BLM staff will hold a virtual open house for the public Aug. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. PT. For the meeting link, contact Baker Field Manager Sarah Sherman at 541-523-1431 or [email protected].

Additional information, including the preliminary environmental assessment, is available at the BLM National NEPA Register; comments can be submitted through the ‘Participate Now’ option (preferred).

Comments may also be emailed to [email protected] or delivered to the BLM Baker Field Office, Attn: SFWW ACEC EA, 22267 OR-86, Baker City, OR 97814. The comment period will close Sept. 10, 2025.

For more information, please contact Baker Field Manager Sarah Sherman at 541-523-1431 or [email protected].

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.