This project helps maintain the sustainability of forest resources through reforestation, young-stand maintenance, and restoration by incorporating the control of competing vegetation, conducting…

The Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Oregon-Washington awarded the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board a $1.175 million cooperative agreement on September 25, 2025, under the Good Neighbor Authority (CFDA 15.015) to maintain forest and watershed sustainability across Oregon through September 24, 2030. Work encompasses reforestation, young-stand maintenance, and restoration incorporating control of competing vegetation, intermediate stand treatments, hazardous fuel reduction, biomass removal, non-native and noxious weed management, and reduction of forest pathogens and destructive insects. The agreement proactively reduces wildfire risks through fuels-mitigation efforts near vulnerable communities and infrastructure. Outcomes include restored watershed function, enhanced wildfire resiliency, improved transportation systems, and protected riparian and aquatic habitats supporting fishing, hunting, aquatic organisms, and water quality statewide.

OWEB passes funding to multiple sub-recipients executing specialized restoration work. The State of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (awarded February and March 2026) conducts Western Pond Turtle inventory and monitoring in Mosby Creek and mule deer winter range habitat restoration at Sanford Creek and Eagle Rock. Partnership For The Umpqua Rivers (awarded March 2026) executes Cutthroat Creek floodplain restoration and the Honey Creek Stage 0 project. Oregon State University (awarded March 2026) provides SageCon support. Deschutes County (awarded September 2025) delivers BLM Oregon-Washington Watershed Health Good Neighbor Authority work.

This project helps maintain the sustainability of forest resources through reforestation, young-stand maintenance, and restoration by incorporating the control of competing vegetation, conducting intermediate stand treatments, hazardous fuel reduction, biomass removal, non-native and noxious weed management, and reducing the spread of forest pathogens and destructive insects. The agreement also proactively reduces wildfire risks through fuels-mitigation efforts near vulnerable communities and infrastructure, ensuring the protection of lives, property, and the essential services that people depend on. The entire state of oregon benefits from this project by having restored watershed function, enhanced wildfire resiliency, improved transportation systems, and protected riparian and aquatic habitats to support fishing, hunting, other aquatic organisms, and water quality.