BLM Takes Action to Remove Hazardous Trees, Reducing Wildfire Threat and Protecting Communities

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in the 11 Western states and Alaska.Photo byStock Image

By Kristy Tallman

MEDFORD, Ore. (Sept. 23, 2024) — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is actively removing hazardous trees in Oregon's Applegate Valley, part of the BLM Medford District, to keep public roads safe and reduce the risk of mega wildfires.

Dead and dying trees pose significant risks, making travel unsafe, fueling larger wildfires, and endangering firefighters. Removing these trees is a key strategy for the BLM in safeguarding local communities and preventing the spread of destructive fires.

“The removal of hazardous trees is one of the most important tasks our foresters undertake,” said Mike Vanderberg, a supervisory forester with the BLM Medford District. “By removing them, we not only protect travelers but also reduce the threat of wildfires.”

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, primarily in the 11 Western states and Alaska, and administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate across the U.S. In fiscal year 2018, activities on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output and supported 471,000 jobs.

By Kristy Tallman, Sept. 23, 2024
The Republic News Source: Bureau of Land Management

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