Illegal Woodcutting Lost Forest RNA
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LAKEVIEW, Ore. - The Bureau of Land Management, Lakeview Field Office staff has recently observed several ponderosa pine trees have been illegally harvested or damaged within the Lost Forest Research Natural Area, near Christmas Valley, Oregon.
The Lost Forest Research Natural Area has a unique stand of an ancient ponderosa pine forest, the remnants of a forest that existed in a cooler and wetter age. In 1972, the BLM set aside this 8,960-acre area to preserve these pines and the sagebrush steppe. The nearest forest is 40 miles away, yet these pines continue to reproduce and have adapted to survive on half the annual precipitation of other ponderosa pines.
Within the Lost Forest RNA, harvesting of any kind is strictly prohibited. The Bureau of Land Management staff have taken action to protect these trees and find the offenders.
“Since the beginning of the year a dozen trees have been illegally harvested and another 20 trees have been damaged,” said Lakeview Field Manager Jami Ludwig. “The damage and illegal harvest costs are estimated at over $20,000. Anyone with information related to this illegal activity is encouraged to contact our office.”
Firewood cutting permits are available through the BLM at only $5.00 per cord. The designated woodcutting area is only 30 minutes from the Lost Forest RNA. To purchase a firewood cutting permit, visit https://forestproducts.blm.gov/.
While motorized vehicles are allowed in the Lost Forest RNA, visitors must stay on routes posted “open.” This includes ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes. Taking your motorized vehicle off trail can damage this already fragile ecosystem.
Camping is allowed in designated areas only. There are six designated sites inside the Lost Forest RNA boundary. Gathering of cut or down wood for campfires is prohibited.
The fine for illegally cutting or gathering wood in the Lost Forest RNA can range from a $100 fine to one year in jail. To report illegal tree cutting or other suspicious activities, contact the Lakeview District Office at 541-947-2177.
The BLM manages more than 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.