Gibson Insect and Disease CE

Categorical Exclusions (CE) are a type of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) project which do not require a more in-depth Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

From the Forest Service:

The Gibson Insect and Disease CE is a timber project currently being planned on the Hood River Ranger District. The planning area is approximately 4,122 acres. Up to 3,000 acres of the planning area would be treated. The scoping process will determine which areas should be treated.

The proposed action would move density levels to a more desired condition. All treatment areas would use a mix of thinning from below and intermittent thinning, with the intention of prioritizing the retention of the largest and healthiest trees available within the stands. A variety of methods, including mechanical and non-mechanical (i.e., hand- crews), would be used. These methods include but are not limited to: precommercial thinning, commercial thinning, and a full suite of fuels treatments available, (including, but not limited to mastication, piling and prescribed burning). Non-commercial units would be treated with precommercial thinning and fuels treatments. Commercial unit treatments may include a combination of precommercial thinning, fuels treatments, and commercial thinning.

The proposed action would not construct any system roads. Road maintenance would occur on all roads needed along a timber haul route, and temporary roads are anticipated to be needed in order to facilitate activities. These temporary roads would be decommissioned within three years of project completion.

Link to FS project page: Mt. Hood National Forest – Home (usda.gov)