Forest Service Seeks Public Input on Proposed Prescribed Fire Project in Klamath and Shasta-Trinity Forests

Press release from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is proposing a project that includes prescribed fire and associated fuels reduction where needed to safely apply prescribed fire. The Forest Service is proposing these actions over time across National Forest System (NFS) lands within the boundaries of the Klamath and Shasta-Trinity National Forests.

The purpose of the project is to improve ecosystem integrity and resiliency to severe wildfire, and to restore fire regimes while protecting communities and social and ecological values.

“The proposed Klamath and Shasta-Trinity Prescription Fire Project could go a long way toward improving the health of our two forests,” said Shasta-Trinity National Forest Supervisor Rachel Birkey. “Fire has long been an important component in maintaining forest health in Northern California and Oregon, and this project’s use of low-intensity prescribed fire across the two forests could play a significant role in reducing severe wildfire risk to our communities. We encourage the public’s input on this proposed project.”

A detailed description of the draft proposed action, with maps and other supporting information, including how to submit comments on the proposal, are available at the project website and the project AGOL story board. Scoping period comments must be received on or before June 12, 2025.

The analysis for the project is planned to be documented within one environmental assessment covering both the Klamath and Shasta-Trinity National Forests. The environmental assessment would be made available for public review during a future comment period per 36 CFR 218.22 (anticipated in 2025).

Ultimately, the forest supervisors will decide whether to implement the proposed actions on each forest, implement an alternative action that meets the purpose and need, or take no action.

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.