To the three forest supervisors of the Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman national forests: I challenge you to be bold, decisive and fair in providing the leadership to update the three forest plans. Please use all of the scientific information, public input and your staffs’ knowledge compiled over the past 30 years to complete the revised plans in 2024.

Tough decisions will need to be made. It’s not possible to please everyone, but I feel a priority should be placed on forest health and multiple use.

I have spent many years enjoying the Umatilla National Forest. For those of you who have done the same, I would encourage you to get involved. I’ve worked seasonally on the Heppner and North Fork ranger districts. This was when I was younger attending college, and later in life after I retired. Many changes have happened during this time, but nothing has changed from the plan that was made in 1990.

Our national forests need a current plan that will enable future generations to enjoy them as much as I have over the years. To not do anything during the revision process should not be an option. Otherwise, we’ll continue the risk of having devastating wildfires that will impact our national forests.

The time is now to complete this revision — please face the challenges and get it done.

Bruce Wilcox

Hermiston