Fire Camp Proposed for Strube Flats

The McKenzie River Ranger District is proposing to designate a permanent fire camp in the Strube Flats area to improve emergency response capabilities across the region.

The proposed camp would provide food service, sleeping areas, sanitation, equipment staging and other logistical support for personnel responding to wildfires and other emergencies. The purpose-built camp would be designed to allow crews from multiple agencies to operate more efficiently during incidents of varying size and complexity.

As part of the project, the district plans variable-density tree thinning across as many as 125 acres in nine stands aged 30 to 40 years. The work aims to reduce dense tree concentrations, improve structural diversity and slow potential wildfire spread near the camp, making the site more defensible. The thinning would target smaller, less vigorous conifers while retaining at least 40% canopy cover.

In addition, existing forest roads in the area would receive maintenance like rocking, brushing, and grading, however no new permanent roads or culvert replacements are planned.

The fire camp proposal also includes improving about six acres for a long-term log decking and heavy equipment staging site on land previously salvaged after the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire. Officials say separating heavy machinery from emergency personnel would improve safety and efficiency during wildfire suppression operations.

To limit unauthorized public access, the Forest Service proposes installing four new gates-three at entrances to the Strube Flats fire camp and one along Forest Road 1900399. Gate installation is expected to involve minimal ground disturbance.

The project area is accessed by a network of existing Forest Service roads near Cougar Reservoir.

Forest officials said the proposal would be reviewed under federal categorical exclusions for limited-impact forest management, road work and planning actions. Public comments are being solicited to help shape the final design.

Written feedback is requested by March 20 and can be submitted by mail to Attn: Jessica Eves, 57600 McKenzie Highway McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413 For more information, please contact Jessica Eves, NEPA Planner at Jessica.Eves@usda.gov or online at tinyurl.com/yp4p2tu7

Comments, including names and addresses, will become part of the public record.