BURNS, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management plans to begin a second emergency operation next week to rescue wild horses from another southeast Oregon herd whose health is under immediate threat from severe food and water shortages. The animals' survival is compromised by a lack of resources due to an especially dry winter and recent wildfires.

Last month, the Bald Mountain Fire burned through the Riddle Mountain Herd Management Area, which was already showing a lack of forage due to ongoing drought.

“We can’t leave these horses out on the burned landscape,” said Don Rotell, Burns District Manager. “Two-thirds of their food was lost to wildfire.”

The BLM will transport the rescued horses to off-range holding facilities, where they will receive veterinary evaluations, appropriate care, high-quality feed, and continuous access to fresh water. The facilities provide ample space that meets established agency standards. Once they have been evaluated and are ready, some of the horses may be available for adoption through the BLM Online Corral.

The rescue operation is planned to start September 9. Media and the public can view the first two days of operations (September 9 and 10), provided that doing so does not disrupt operations or jeopardize the safety of the animals or staff. BLM staff will escort the public to gather observation sites located on public lands. Observation is available by reservation only and is limited to 10-15 people per viewing day. Reservations will be accepted by email only at blm_or_wa_press@blm.gov and must be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on the prior business day. Phone and voicemail reservations will not be accepted. 

Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the email date and time received. Participants will receive confirmation by 9 p.m., including meeting times, locations, and additional instructions. Media and public participants should generally plan to meet near Burns, between 4:30 and 6 a.m. for caravanning to the site. Participants must receive confirmation before attending. Viewing opportunities may change or be canceled on short notice because of weather, changing gather locations, safety concerns, or other operational needs.

The BLM will provide updates on the operation’s progress, details about public viewing opportunities, and information on adoption opportunities online.

Public safety and animal welfare remain top priorities. The Wild Horse and Burro Program is committed to the humane and sustainable management of wild horse populations and their habitats. These drive-trap gather operations are guided by the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program, which sets handling standards that prioritize the care and well-being of the animals. 

Rescuing these horses from the range will also support rangeland health and help the land recover from the recent wildfire, ensuring these areas can continue to provide habitat for the herd, other wildlife and support additional land uses. Through collaborative efforts, the program seeks to maintain healthy herds on healthy rangelands now and for future generations.

-BLM-

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. 

PRINEVILLE, Ore. –The Bureau of Land Management will temporarily close Reynolds Pond Trailhead, blocking access to Reynolds Pond from noon to 6 p.m. each day of Sept. 11-13, to protect public safety during permitted gundog testing. The closure will also restrict access to the Oregon Badlands Wilderness from Reynolds Pond during those hours.  

During the three days, gundogs will complete a series of tests at Reynolds Pond. Blank shotgun shells will be used as part of the testing, and the temporary closure will keep visitors safely separated from the activity. 

“Hunting with trained dogs has a long tradition in Oregon, and safety is an important part of that,” said Lisa Clark, Deschutes Field Office Manager. “This short closure gives the dogs and participants room to complete the testing safely while visitors use other trailheads to access the Wilderness.” 

The announcement comes during National Shooting Sports Month, which recognizes America’s recreational shooting and hunting traditions and the importance of firearm safety, personal responsibility, and conservation. 

For alternate access to the Oregon Badlands Wilderness, visitors should use the Dry River or Chitwood trailheads.  

-BLM- 

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. 

WASHINGTON — In a season of big numbers and bigger harvests, the BLM's Pumpkin Pi Timber Sale roasted modern records. The 400-acre sale brought in nearly $10.6 million and will produce 23.5 million board feet of timber. The seasonally named sale surpassed the previous record by nearly 5.5 million board feet, boosting the domestic timber supply and supporting American jobs.

“This record-breaking timber sale is a major boon for western Oregon’s economy,” said BLM Director Steve Pearce. “Beyond the revenue shared with 18 counties, this sale will generate more than $70 million in local economic activity.”

Throughout the month of August, the BLM sold more than 40 million board feet of timber across roughly 1,400 acres in western Oregon, earning more than $17 million. These sales will produce enough timber to build 2,500 single family homes and support 550 jobs.

“Under the Trump Administration, streamlined approvals and expanded tools for public land managers helped make record setting sales like this possible, strengthening America’s domestic lumber supply, supporting rural economies, and reducing reliance on foreign sourced building materials,” Pearce said.

The BLM manages 2.4 million acres of some of the most productive forests in the world and is committed to supplying a reliable, secure, and resilient domestic supply of timber. In western Oregon, this commitment is embodied in the Oregon and California Revested Lands Sustained Yield Management Act of 1937. Under that Act, the BLM’s forestry and timber program sustains lives, livelihoods, and quality of life for the communities in and around them. 

BLM forestry supports economic security, reduces risks from wildfire, improves fish and wildlife habitat, and decreases costs of energy production. Local communities rely on jobs that come from BLM forests, and timber from public land feeds local industry.  

Additionally, revenue from timber harvested on Oregon and California lands is shared between the U.S. Treasury and 18 western Oregon counties. This funding provides local communities with the means to construct new county buildings; develop fairgrounds and museums; support libraries, schools, and jails; and build flood-control dams and reservoirs. While under the Secure Rural Schools Act, the revenues help fund restoration projects on federal lands, fund emergency search and rescue services, and make communities safer from wildfire.  

-BLM-

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.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Fire restrictions remain in effect on all Bureau of Land Management public lands in Oregon and Washington as the region continues through a record setting wildfire season. More than 2.5 million acres have already burned across the Northwest. BLM officials are calling on all public land visitors to exercise extreme caution, follow fire restrictions and closures, and help prevent additional wildfires.

“As National Shooting Sports Month draws to a close and we make our way into hunting season, we especially want to thank hunters for being responsible stewards of public lands,” said Kyle Hensley, Prineville District Manager for the BLM. "Hunting season and wildfire season overlap in the Pacific Northwest, and we can all work together to keep each other, and our shared public lands, safe.”

Specific fire restrictions vary by location based on fire danger, weather conditions, and fuel moisture. These restrictions address what types of ammunition can be used, whether campfires are allowed, and what fire prevention equipment is required. Before visiting public lands, all recreators should check local restrictions and closures.

Over 99% of BLM lands nationwide are open to recreation. Land managers put restrictions and closures in place only when and where necessary to protect public safety.

"Please follow local restrictions to the letter," said Jeff Fedrizzi, Assistant Chief of Operations for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Pacific Northwest Geographic Area. "Preventing even one human-caused wildfire makes a difference for our firefighters and our communities."

Individuals responsible for starting wildfires may face fines of up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, and liability for the full cost of wildfire suppression.

For more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire. 

-BLM-

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. 
 

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service conducts operations in close coordination with the Bureau of Land Management. As a unified federal entity under the Department of the Interior, the USWFS integrates expertise to streamline wildfire prevention, response and recovery under our shared mission to foster fire-resilient landscapes and safeguard communities across America’s public lands. 

PORTLAND, Ore. –The Bureau of Land Management accepted winning bids on two parcels in Oregon totaling more than 9,500 acres for $1,155,706 in total receipts for a geothermal lease sale. The parcels are located on the Mount Hood National Forest.  

“Geothermal is an abundant resource, especially in the West, with the potential to provide reliable energy,” said Kim Prill, BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. “The BLM is committed to unlocking that potential to support American energy production and our local economies.” 

The BLM may issue the leases once review and payment are complete. The combined bonus bids, rentals and subsequent royalties from the leases will be distributed among the U.S. Treasury, the State of Oregon, and Marion County. 

Geothermal lease sales support domestic energy production and American energy independence while contributing to the nation’s economic and military security. Consistent with Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy,” the BLM's geothermal lease sales help meet the energy needs of U.S. citizens, solidify the nation as a global energy leader long into the future, and achieve American Energy Dominance. 

Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal geothermal resources. The BLM ensures geothermal development meets the requirements set forth by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other applicable legal authorities. Planning documents for this sale are available at the BLM National NEPA Register. The BLM’s lease sales are held online through EnergyNet. 

The BLM has authority to manage geothermal resource leasing, exploration, and development on approximately 245 million surface acres of public lands and the 700 million acres where the United States owns the subsurface mineral estate. 

-BLM- 

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. 

SALEM, Ore. – A mother bear and her cub have been aggressively looking for food in and around Fan Creek Campground, on the Nestucca River Corridor, roughly twenty-five miles west of McMinnville. In the interest of public safety, Bureau of Land Management officials have temporarily closed the campground.  

“The bears have been threatening to visitors, and they do not seem to be afraid of humans,” said Janet Satter, Tillamook Field Manager. “For everyone's safety, the campground is closed for the time being.” 

“We are reaching out to visitors with impacted reservations, and we thank them for their flexibility and for respecting this temporary closure,” Satter added. 

The BLM offers alternative camping options along the Nestucca River Corridor, at Dovre and Alder Glen campgrounds. Both sites take reservations. 

BLM officials are working with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to address the public safety risk. 

The BLM always urges visitors to take extra precautions in bear country. Simple actions—like giving bears space, securing food and knowing what to do before you enter public lands—can protect visitors and bears. If you encounter a bear, stay calm, speak in a steady voice, back away slowly and do not make sudden movements. Visitors should report bear encounters to BLM field offices as soon as it is safe to do so. 

-BLM- 

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. 

PORTLAND, Ore. – Fire restrictions remain in effect on all Bureau of Land Management public lands in Oregon and Washington as the region navigates an exceptionally strenuous wildfire season. With more than 2 million acres already impacted by wildfires in the Northwest, BLM officials are calling on all public land visitors to exercise extreme caution, follow fire restrictions and closures, and help prevent additional wildfires. 

Fire restrictions vary by location based on fire danger, weather conditions, and fuel moisture. Before visiting public lands, visitors should check local restrictions and closures. These restrictions address when power tools may be used, whether campfires or portable stoves are allowed, and what fire prevention equipment must be on hand. 

"Preventing a single wildfire can make a real difference for firefighters, communities, and the landscapes we're working to protect," said Josh O'Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. "Please double-check your gear and follow every local restriction to the letter." 

While firefighters continue responding to active wildfires, BLM is also beginning the work of helping burned landscapes recover. The agency has already begun Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by wildfire. ESR is a time-sensitive, post-fire response designed to address immediate risks and help stabilize burned forests, grasslands, and watersheds. 

"Recovery starts as soon as we can safely begin assessing what the landscape needs," said Kim Prill, acting BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. "Our teams are already working to stabilize areas affected by wildfire and protect the forests, grasslands, and watersheds that are so important to our communities and local economies." 

Depending on the conditions of a burned landscape, ESR work can include measures to reduce erosion, protect water quality, stabilize soils, and limit the spread of invasive species. These efforts help reduce the potential for additional damage and give affected landscapes a stronger foundation for long-term recovery. 

Individuals responsible for starting wildfires may face fines of up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, and liability for the full cost of wildfire suppression. 

For more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire. 

-BLM- 

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. 
 

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service conducts operations in close coordination with the Bureau of Land Management. As a unified federal entity under the Department of the Interior, the USWFS integrates expertise to streamline wildfire prevention, response and recovery under our shared mission to foster fire-resilient landscapes and safeguard communities across America’s public lands.