Public Input Welcomed
information released
Following the largest wildfire in Chelan County’s history, the journey toward long term recovery is already underway. The Little Giant Fire left tree mortality across the landscape, creating safety hazards, threatening critical infrastructure, and dramatically altering forest health over more than 270 square miles. With so much work ahead, the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest’s new post fire recovery project is structured in two phases to address what is urgently needed now while planning for the long-term restoration of the burned area.
“After a 100+ days engaging the largest wildfire in Chelan County’s history, we have an opportunity to move quickly,” said Forest Supervisor Tara Umphries. “Once the embers cool, the recovery clock is already ticking—not only to address hazards, but to restore safe public access and rebuild the forest’s resilience before the initial window for certain aspects of positive recovery closes.”
Phase 1 focuses on time sensitive work that must occur this winter, when snow and frozen ground help protect soils and streams as crews harvest fire killed trees, reduce hazardous fuels, and make public areas such as roads and campgrounds safe again. Phase 2, anticipated to begin in spring 2027, will address the longer-term needs of the landscape- including replanting trees, repairing streams and wildlife habitat, rebuilding trails, and further reducing future fire risks. These efforts will unfold over many years as the landscape continues to heal. A request for more than $83 million dollars to support this post fire recovery work is currently pending Congressional funding.
“We have a unique opportunity after the wildfire to strengthen the landscape’s resilience, guide its long-term recovery and reduce risk associated with future wildfires, together with our partners, Tribes, and local communities, we are committed to helping this improve the long-term health and resilience of this landscape.” added Umphries.
Images: Far left- High intensity fire in the Chiwawa area; Middle- A destroyed picnic table at one of several burned over campgrounds; Far right- Dead and fire weakened trees in the Entiat Valley.
How to submit comments
Phase 1 relies on the National Post-Fire Recovery Environmental Assessment, available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/disaster-recovery/post-fire-recovery and is authorized under a Fuels and Forest Health Emergency Situation Determination, allowing expedited action to prevent further resource damage.
The Forest is providing an input opportunity from Friday, October 16, through Monday, October 26, 2026 despite no formal comment period being required. All materials are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/okanogan-wenatchee/projects/434925.
Please submit comments via CARA at: https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=434925.
Alternatively, you may send written comments by mail to: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, WA 98801, Attn: LG-Phase 1. For additional information regarding this project, contact Seth Kammer, Acting Public Affairs Officer at: seth.kammer@usda.gov.
About the Forest Service:
The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.
