The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest will re-mark, re-cruise and re-advertise the Secret Creek Timber Sale after a recent comprehensive review of the sale was conducted by Forest Supervisor Molly Juillerat.
The Secret Creek Timber Sale -- located on the Wild Rivers Ranger District -- was originally scheduled for August 27th, but was extended to September 19th, to provide time for the Forest Supervisor to make the review.
An on-the-ground review was conducted with District Ranger Scott Blower, timber management personnel and marking crew members. The review was conducted to ensure that the implementation and marking of the timber sale matched the original intent of the Upper Briggs Environmental Assessment (EA).
The EA was developed to enhance fire resiliency in mixed conifer stands by strategically removing certain trees and improving forest health. The EA allowed for the removal of trees up to 120 years of age and generally not larger than 40 inches in diameter. Some trees marked for removal were found to be older than 120 years old.
While most of these trees were initially marked to meet restoration and fire resiliency goals, this was not fully aligned with the EA. Moving forward, necessary adjustments are being made to ensure compliance with the assessment.
Juillerat said they are committed to transparency and stewardship, ensuring the right work is done at the right time for forest health and sustainability. She said the sale has been cancelled and will be re-announced after corrected steps are finished. The nearby Taylor Creek area may be combined with Secret into one sale area.
