Bureau of Land Management Ore. & Wash.

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News Release

BLM Begins Annual Release At Hult Dam - 12/22/25

Springfield, Ore. — Bureau of Land Management officials recently began the annual shift to winter operations at Hult Dam. As winter rainfall increases, the BLM increases the amount of water passing through the dam to mitigate the risk of the reservoir overflowing.

 

“To protect downstream communities, we partially open the valve in the winter so heavy seasonal flows of water can safely pass through the dam,” said Sarah Bickford, Siuslaw Field Manager. “Public safety is our first priority, and we don’t want excess water building up behind the aging dam.”

 

The BLM partially opened the valve on Dec 17 to bring the water level to the ideal height just above the spillway. Staff further opened the valve the evening of Dec 18 after heavy rain and will make adjustments as needed. BLM engineers work with fisheries and wildlife staff to monitor the dam to reduce the chance of overflowing water and debris from the reservoir while protecting habitat.

 

While the BLM vigilantly monitors the reservoir, opening the valve during the winter does not fully eliminate the risk of an overflow event if an unusually significant rain or rain-on-snow event causes major flooding. Residents should stay aware of local forecasts and be prepared for extreme weather events.

 

The BLM plans to safely remove Hult Dam in the future. While the timeline is to be determined, additional details on the planning process can be found in the Hult Reservoir and Dam Safety Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), EIS Summary, and Record of Decision.

 

-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.

BLM Begins Annual Release At Hult Dam - 12/22/25

Springfield, Ore. — Bureau of Land Management officials recently began the annual shift to winter operations at Hult Dam. As winter rainfall increases, the BLM increases the amount of water passing through the dam to mitigate the risk of the reservoir overflowing.

 

“To protect downstream communities, we partially open the valve in the winter so heavy seasonal flows of water can safely pass through the dam,” said Sarah Bickford, Siuslaw Field Manager. “Public safety is our first priority, and we don’t want excess water building up behind the aging dam.”

 

The BLM partially opened the valve on Dec 17 to bring the water level to the ideal height just above the spillway. Staff further opened the valve the evening of Dec 18 after heavy rain and will make adjustments as needed. BLM engineers work with fisheries and wildlife staff to monitor the dam to reduce the chance of overflowing water and debris from the reservoir while protecting habitat.

 

While the BLM vigilantly monitors the reservoir, opening the valve during the winter does not fully eliminate the risk of an overflow event if an unusually significant rain or rain-on-snow event causes major flooding. Residents should stay aware of local forecasts and be prepared for extreme weather events.

 

The BLM plans to safely remove Hult Dam in the future. While the timeline is to be determined, additional details on the planning process can be found in the Hult Reservoir and Dam Safety Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), EIS Summary, and Record of Decision.

 

-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.

BLM FY 2025 Timber Sales In Oregon And Washington Net Over $67 Million (Photo) - 12/16/25

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management in Oregon and Washington wrapped up fiscal year 2025 with a standout timber performance. Across Oregon and Washington, the BLM exceeded its annual goal and, in support of the President’s promise of increased timber production, offered 15% more timber than in fiscal year 2024. In total, BLM Oregon/Washington sold 241 million board feet of timber for $67,049,012 from October 2024 – September 2025. 

 

“This year’s timber efforts show what the BLM can achieve,” said Barry Bushue, BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. “We exceeded the timber target goal established in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Next year, the BLM is offering even more timber, which means supporting more rural jobs and improving forest health.” 

 

The sales support the BLM’s commitment to the nation under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the President’s order to increase domestic timber production.  

 

The timber sold in fiscal year 2025 could build more than 15,000 homes and support about 3,400 jobs across western Oregon.  
 

“America has significant timber resources, and Oregon and Washington have some of the best timber in the world,” said Bushue. “BLM timber sales ensure we retain our domestic lumber supply and reduce reliance on other imported building supplies.” 

 

In addition to new sales, in fiscal year 2025 the BLM facilitated the harvest of 250 million board feet of timber valued at nearly $66 million, a 7% increase in harvest volume and 9% more in revenue than fiscal year 2024. These harvests include sales that were purchased over the previous four years, reflecting years of planning and collaboration with purchasers and operators in the community. 

 

“Our foresters and partners in local communities are the reason for this successful year,” Bushue added. “Together, we’re building a stronger future for Oregon’s forests, one timber sale and acre at a time.” 

 

In western Oregon, 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. BLM forestry supports economic security, reduces risks from wildfire, conserves 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. 

 

Each year, sales managed by the BLM’s forestry program in Oregon and Washington support local jobs and generate more than $1 billion for local economies. Revenue from timber sold on O&C 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. 

 

-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. 

 

 

Attached Media Files: Timber from BLM-administered forests supports local communities, domestic lumber production, and forest resilience. BLM photo.,

BLM FY 2025 Timber Sales In Oregon And Washington Net Over $67 Million (Photo) - 12/16/25

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management in Oregon and Washington wrapped up fiscal year 2025 with a standout timber performance. Across Oregon and Washington, the BLM exceeded its annual goal and, in support of the President’s promise of increased timber production, offered 15% more timber than in fiscal year 2024. In total, BLM Oregon/Washington sold 241 million board feet of timber for $67,049,012 from October 2024 – September 2025. 

 

“This year’s timber efforts show what the BLM can achieve,” said Barry Bushue, BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. “We exceeded the timber target goal established in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Next year, the BLM is offering even more timber, which means supporting more rural jobs and improving forest health.” 

 

The sales support the BLM’s commitment to the nation under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the President’s order to increase domestic timber production.  

 

The timber sold in fiscal year 2025 could build more than 15,000 homes and support about 3,400 jobs across western Oregon.  
 

“America has significant timber resources, and Oregon and Washington have some of the best timber in the world,” said Bushue. “BLM timber sales ensure we retain our domestic lumber supply and reduce reliance on other imported building supplies.” 

 

In addition to new sales, in fiscal year 2025 the BLM facilitated the harvest of 250 million board feet of timber valued at nearly $66 million, a 7% increase in harvest volume and 9% more in revenue than fiscal year 2024. These harvests include sales that were purchased over the previous four years, reflecting years of planning and collaboration with purchasers and operators in the community. 

 

“Our foresters and partners in local communities are the reason for this successful year,” Bushue added. “Together, we’re building a stronger future for Oregon’s forests, one timber sale and acre at a time.” 

 

In western Oregon, 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. BLM forestry supports economic security, reduces risks from wildfire, conserves 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. 

 

Each year, sales managed by the BLM’s forestry program in Oregon and Washington support local jobs and generate more than $1 billion for local economies. Revenue from timber sold on O&C 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. 

 

-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. 

 

 

Attached Media Files: Timber from BLM-administered forests supports local communities, domestic lumber production, and forest resilience. BLM photo.,

BLM Approves Lithium Exploration In Southeast Oregon (Photo) - 12/12/25

VALE, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management recently approved the expansion of lithium exploration activities in southern Malheur County, about 20 miles west of McDermitt, Nev. 

With this approval, HiTech Minerals, Inc. is authorized to conduct lithium mineral exploration activities over the course of five years. Lithium has been on the Department of the Interior’s list of critical minerals since the list was established in 2017. 

 

“The HiTech lithium exploration project represents a significant step toward achieving the nation’s energy goals and reducing dependence on foreign critical minerals—key priorities under the President’s agenda,” said BLM Acting Malheur Field Manager Tara McLain. 

 

The project includes disturbance of up to 73 total acres created by 168 exploration drill sites across 7,200 acres of public lands, the construction of 22 miles of new access routes, and other temporary disturbances to store necessary equipment. 

 

Exploration drilling would occur annually between July 1 and November 30 for up to five years, and concurrent reclamation of the disturbances would occur after each drill season. Subsurface hydrological, geophysical, and geochemical data may be collected during the proposed drilling activities as well. 

 

Additional information, including the signed decision record, is available at the BLM National NEPA Register. For more information, please contact BLM Public Affairs Specialist Larisa Bogardus at 541-523-1407 or lbogardus@blm.gov. 

 

-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. 

Attached Media Files: Photo of the exploration area, BLM photo,

BLM Approves Lithium Exploration In Southeast Oregon (Photo) - 12/12/25

VALE, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management recently approved the expansion of lithium exploration activities in southern Malheur County, about 20 miles west of McDermitt, Nev. 

With this approval, HiTech Minerals, Inc. is authorized to conduct lithium mineral exploration activities over the course of five years. Lithium has been on the Department of the Interior’s list of critical minerals since the list was established in 2017. 

 

“The HiTech lithium exploration project represents a significant step toward achieving the nation’s energy goals and reducing dependence on foreign critical minerals—key priorities under the President’s agenda,” said BLM Acting Malheur Field Manager Tara McLain. 

 

The project includes disturbance of up to 73 total acres created by 168 exploration drill sites across 7,200 acres of public lands, the construction of 22 miles of new access routes, and other temporary disturbances to store necessary equipment. 

 

Exploration drilling would occur annually between July 1 and November 30 for up to five years, and concurrent reclamation of the disturbances would occur after each drill season. Subsurface hydrological, geophysical, and geochemical data may be collected during the proposed drilling activities as well. 

 

Additional information, including the signed decision record, is available at the BLM National NEPA Register. For more information, please contact BLM Public Affairs Specialist Larisa Bogardus at 541-523-1407 or lbogardus@blm.gov. 

 

-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. 

Attached Media Files: Photo of the exploration area, BLM photo,

Prescribed Burns Protect Local Communities, Restore Ecosystems (Photo) - 12/11/25

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management continues a highly successful prescribed burn season, having treated more than 18,000 acres of public lands since the beginning of September. These efforts reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat, and build more resilient landscapes across the region.

 

“BLM fire staff have stayed prepared, so we’re ready to capitalize on windows with the safest burning conditions,” said Michael Solheim, fire management specialist. “We’ve been waiting for rain and for drought conditions to gradually improve. These conditions are essential to executing treatments effectively and maintaining our commitment to protect communities and restore landscape resilience.”

 

Prescribed burning is one of the most effective tools land managers have to reduce excessive vegetation and restore native ecosystems. This season’s burns have helped return nutrients to the soil, stimulate new plant growth, and maintain open spaces, while also supporting a sustained yield of timber and forage for cattle.

 

Many landscapes in Oregon and Washington have evolved with fire, making it a vital, natural process. Through careful application, prescribed burning helps maintain watershed health, protect water quality, and sustain the biodiversity that characterizes these fire-adapted ecosystems.

 

Crews rely on detailed weather monitoring, fire-modeling tools and careful planning to ensure burns are conducted safely and effectively. The BLM works closely with rural fire departments, federal and state agencies, and nonprofit partners throughout the year to focus on critical work.

 

“We’re grateful to our neighbors for supporting this work,” said Solheim. “Prescribed fire requires patience, especially when smoke is visible, but it’s an investment in long-term safety and healthier public lands.”

 

For more information about prescribed fire and ongoing fuel reduction efforts, visit the BLM’s website.

 

-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.

Attached Media Files: Franks_Creek_Rx_Burn_2025.jpg, Buckshot_Timber_Sale_Rx_Burn_2025.jpg, West_Castle_Rock_Unit1_ValeBLM_2025.jpeg,

Prescribed Burns Protect Local Communities, Restore Ecosystems (Photo) - 12/11/25

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management continues a highly successful prescribed burn season, having treated more than 18,000 acres of public lands since the beginning of September. These efforts reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat, and build more resilient landscapes across the region.

 

“BLM fire staff have stayed prepared, so we’re ready to capitalize on windows with the safest burning conditions,” said Michael Solheim, fire management specialist. “We’ve been waiting for rain and for drought conditions to gradually improve. These conditions are essential to executing treatments effectively and maintaining our commitment to protect communities and restore landscape resilience.”

 

Prescribed burning is one of the most effective tools land managers have to reduce excessive vegetation and restore native ecosystems. This season’s burns have helped return nutrients to the soil, stimulate new plant growth, and maintain open spaces, while also supporting a sustained yield of timber and forage for cattle.

 

Many landscapes in Oregon and Washington have evolved with fire, making it a vital, natural process. Through careful application, prescribed burning helps maintain watershed health, protect water quality, and sustain the biodiversity that characterizes these fire-adapted ecosystems.

 

Crews rely on detailed weather monitoring, fire-modeling tools and careful planning to ensure burns are conducted safely and effectively. The BLM works closely with rural fire departments, federal and state agencies, and nonprofit partners throughout the year to focus on critical work.

 

“We’re grateful to our neighbors for supporting this work,” said Solheim. “Prescribed fire requires patience, especially when smoke is visible, but it’s an investment in long-term safety and healthier public lands.”

 

For more information about prescribed fire and ongoing fuel reduction efforts, visit the BLM’s website.

 

-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.

Attached Media Files: Franks_Creek_Rx_Burn_2025.jpg, Buckshot_Timber_Sale_Rx_Burn_2025.jpg, West_Castle_Rock_Unit1_ValeBLM_2025.jpeg,

BLM Launches “One Dollar, One Tree” Holiday Savings Across Local Public Lands (Photo) - 12/05/25

RE-SENT FOR AN UPDATED VERSION

 

New fee reductions and expanded cutting areas offer meaningful savings for families this winter

 

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management has announced a series of holiday affordability measures that will help families save money, enjoy public lands, and support wildfire prevention efforts across Oregon and Washington during the 2025–2026 winter season.

 

Effective immediately through January 31, the BLM is reducing many personal-use permit fees to just $1, including Christmas tree permits and firewood permits. Local BLM offices are also opening new cutting areas in overstocked woodlands to provide families with more opportunities to gather their own firewood and Christmas trees, while also supporting forest thinning and hazardous fuel reduction.

 

 “Here in Oregon and Washington, families rely on public lands for tradition, recreation, and essential resources,” said Barry Bushue, BLM OR/WA State Director. “These fee reductions and expanded access make it easier for people to gather firewood and Christmas trees close to home, all while helping us reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health.”

 

These actions align with the Trump administration’s mission to lower costs for American families and will contribute to national savings estimated at more than $9.4 million this holiday season.

 

Effective immediately, the BLM will:

  • Reduce fees for personal-use Christmas tree and firewood permits.
  • Increase household limits to up to 10 cords of firewood and up to three Christmas trees, with flexibility to adjust limits in areas with abundant resources.

 

These steps will help reduce household costs, expand access to local woodlands, and improve forest conditions by removing overstocked or hazardous fuels. The BLM will continue coordinating with community partners, tribal governments and local organizations to share information about permit availability and new cutting areas.

 

Residents can find up-to-date information on permit locations, cutting area maps, and safety guidance at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/natural-resources/forests-and-woodlands/forest-product-permits/oregon-christmas-trees

 

-BLM-

 

The BLM manages roughly 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.

Attached Media Files: A Christmas tree is harvested in Oregon.,

BLM Launches “One Dollar, One Tree” Holiday Savings Across Local Public Lands (Photo) - 12/05/25

RE-SENT FOR AN UPDATED VERSION

 

New fee reductions and expanded cutting areas offer meaningful savings for families this winter

 

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management has announced a series of holiday affordability measures that will help families save money, enjoy public lands, and support wildfire prevention efforts across Oregon and Washington during the 2025–2026 winter season.

 

Effective immediately through January 31, the BLM is reducing many personal-use permit fees to just $1, including Christmas tree permits and firewood permits. Local BLM offices are also opening new cutting areas in overstocked woodlands to provide families with more opportunities to gather their own firewood and Christmas trees, while also supporting forest thinning and hazardous fuel reduction.

 

 “Here in Oregon and Washington, families rely on public lands for tradition, recreation, and essential resources,” said Barry Bushue, BLM OR/WA State Director. “These fee reductions and expanded access make it easier for people to gather firewood and Christmas trees close to home, all while helping us reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health.”

 

These actions align with the Trump administration’s mission to lower costs for American families and will contribute to national savings estimated at more than $9.4 million this holiday season.

 

Effective immediately, the BLM will:

  • Reduce fees for personal-use Christmas tree and firewood permits.
  • Increase household limits to up to 10 cords of firewood and up to three Christmas trees, with flexibility to adjust limits in areas with abundant resources.

 

These steps will help reduce household costs, expand access to local woodlands, and improve forest conditions by removing overstocked or hazardous fuels. The BLM will continue coordinating with community partners, tribal governments and local organizations to share information about permit availability and new cutting areas.

 

Residents can find up-to-date information on permit locations, cutting area maps, and safety guidance at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/natural-resources/forests-and-woodlands/forest-product-permits/oregon-christmas-trees

 

-BLM-

 

The BLM manages roughly 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.

Attached Media Files: A Christmas tree is harvested in Oregon.,