Gifford Pinchot National Forest — Project Detail

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is responding to two requests provided by Bureau of Land Management to evaluate consent to lease two nominated parcels of Forest Service lands for geothermal exploration and development.

The Project proposes to evaluate options to improve safety of the outflow at Spirit Lake located within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. A draft Record of Decision and corresponding documents will be published on July 7, 2026 opening up Objections for the Project.

Increase forest resiliency to climate-related stressors and mitigate fire risk to highly valued resources in the Little White Salmon Watershed. Proposed actions will include commercial timber harvest, fuels treatments and other restoration projects.

Trailhead improvements necessary to ensure quality visitor experiences, improved sanitation and safety, and resource protection and restoration in the vicinity of the Mt. Adams South Climb (#183) and Cold Springs (#72) trailheads.

The proposed action would include 2 primary elements: plantation thinning of previously regenerated stands under 80 years of age, and small diameter hand thinning within 500 feet of roadsides identified by fire management staff as PCLs for use in future wildfire management.

Project proposes to underburn 227 acres to reduce residual fuel loading post-harvest and improve vegetation condition on the National Forest boundary northeast of Trout Lake. Prescribed burn is planned for Spring 2026. Project documents: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/41gwea7tnzmw9evnjloxwjwa4g6glsqp

Project proposes to replace aging toilet facilities at 8 backcountry campsites in the Mount Margaret Backcountry Area within Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

Project proposes thinning of up to 26,000 trees across 960 acres to acquire coarse woody debris (logs with attached rootwads) for instream restoration projects and to accelerate the development of resilient forest conditions.

Project proposes to replant 134 acres of forest impacted by the 2022 fire season in response to direction in the 2021 REPLANT Act.

Project proposes to repair nine road segments damaged during the February 2020 flood event. Actions include removing landslide debris, repairing/cleaning culverts and ditches, embankment and slope reinforcement.