Forest for the Trees

May, 2025 | Story and Photos by Mark Irving

​The view on Ross Lane is about to change. Specifically, the area between the “burn zone” just east of the Wellspring parcel and the eastern edge of the Homestead Meadow (see map below.) Roadway users will soon notice a deeper, more open vista of the forest and meadows, compliments of a selective tree harvesting and understory clearing of the Right-of-Way conducted by Trout Mountain Forestry for the Cerro Gordo Cooperative. It is estimated that the project will be completed in one week’s time with a mid-June projected start time.

Following an email proposal received on 4/21 from Trout Mountain’s Shane Hetzler, Charlie Sannes, Hetzler and I met at the location to review the project. We walked the length of the affected roadway, noting that thinning the trees and clearing the understory would deter wildfire, and that there was a reasonable amount of merchantable timber. The estimated cost for the project is $16,500. with $7,300. coming from timber sale proceeds, and the remaining $9,200. covered with Cooperative funds.

In a text exchange on 5/22, Hetzler noted, “It’s about 3 acres of Right-of-Way targeting (removal of) conifer, and leaving oak. Non-merchantable material will be piled and then burned to reduce fuel load along Ross lane. This will create better synergy with adjacent restoration efforts on Conservancy land.” The “restoration” Hetzler referred to is for Cerro Gordo Land Conservancy on the Hidden Meadow unit just south of the Ross Lane ROW, which will require three weeks work. This essentially coincides with the Cooperative’s ROW harvest, thereby reducing costs.

When asked about roadway access during the project, Hetzler responded, “There will be equipment in the roadway which may affect travel times but work is expected to take a week. We will try to minimize inconvenience to community members.” He also emphasized the importance of proceeding with caution when encountering crews and equipment on or near the roadway.

On May 23, I received a Notification of Operations/Permit to Operate from the Oregon Department of Forestry. This notification lists all participating parties and operators and respective requirements and responsibilities. A written plan for the project will be submitted by Trout Mountain to Cerro Gordo Cooperative and ODF.