Active Forest Management 2025 Accomplishments
2025 marked another impactful year as the National Wild Turkey Federation and the USDA Forest Service continued to work across the country to complete significant on-the-ground forest management, move critical timber to local markets and advance wildfire risk reduction, all while supporting habitat restoration for wild turkeys and countless other species. NWTF’s active forest management team continues to deliver results under its national master stewardship agreement with the Forest Service.
“I am incredibly excited about the work we were able to accomplish in 2025 and look forward to getting even more active forest management done on the ground in 2026,” said Molly Pitts, NWTF forest management manager.
Region 5 SPA
The Colt Project continued its momentum in FY25, with Roseburg Forest Products removing an additional 17,517 tons of biomass from the Klamath National Forest. This effort not only reduced hazardous fuel loads but also contributed to the local wood products economy.
Progress for the Granite Thin project on the Stanislaus National Forest included completion of California Spotted Owl surveys, road reconstruction and treatment of 33.6 acres through harvesting.
Region 5 SPA – Non-Timber
On the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll Ranger District of the Klamath National Forest, crews completed 2,000 acres of Northern Spotted Owl and Goshawk surveys, 820 acres of botany surveys and began 630 acres of archaeology surveys. Additional work is anticipated in FY26.
Region 6 SPA
On the Fremont-Winema National Forest, the Hawks Project reached completion, finalizing 305 acres of timber removal, 68 acres of hand thinning and piling and 251 acres of mastication.
The Blue Mile Project inventoried 2,100 acres to identify meadow encroachment and develop a treatment plan, setting the stage for future work.
On the Umpqua National Forest, a disaster recovery project was awarded to address 1,239 acres of roadside hazards left by wildfire. Some biomass will be removed while material left onsite will aid soil protection. Work is underway, with Phase 2 already in preparation.
Region 4 SPA
The Deer Point Forest Stewardship Project on the Boise National Forest includes 1,303 acres of commercial harvest, 225 acres of hazard tree mitigation and nearly 4 miles of road reconstruction. The work is now underway, with potential for additional non-commercial thinning, trail decommissioning and other restoration activities as funding allows.
In total, Region 4 accomplishments include 68 acres of commercial harvest, 106 acres of non-commercial harvest and 98 truckloads (2,463 tons) of timber delivered to Boise Cascade, Woodgrain and local firewood processors.
Region 2 SPA
The road reconstruction has been completed on the Bighorn National Forest and harvesting will begin in 2026.
On the San Juan National Forest, the First Notch Project was completed, treating 600 acres of ponderosa pine and delivering 199 truckloads (1,572 tons) to local markets.
On the Rio Grande National Forest, the Saguache Spruce Stewardship Project salvaged 1,357 acres of spruce before deterioration halted operations. The project still moved 22,469 tons across 859 truckloads to Montrose Forest Products.
In September, a modification to the Region 2 SPA added six new projects across the Rio Grande, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison, Black Hills and San Juan National Forests.
Region 1 SPA
Work advanced across the Bitterroot and Custer-Gallatin National Forests as botany, soil and boundary surveys were completed on the Bitterroot.
On the Custer-Gallatin National Forest, the South Otter Landscape Restoration and Resilience Project began implementation, with 574 acres of timber removal completed. Nearly 12,000 tons of material were delivered to Neiman Timber through 366 truckloads.
Building Capacity
To sustain this momentum, the NWTF’s Capacity Agreement with the Forest Service continued to grow. In 2025, the partnership filled or added several critical positions, including coordinators across Regions 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8, as well as specialists in GIS, wood utilization and budget/agreements. These positions are pivotal for ensuring that the ambitious work of active forest management stays on track.
Looking Ahead
The accomplishments of 2025 underscore the NWTF’s commitment to active forest management and collaborative stewardship. By reducing fuel loads, improving forest health and supporting rural economies, these projects help both people and wildlife from the growing threat of catastrophic wildfire. With new projects upcoming and expanded capacity, 2026 is poised to build on this success and continue delivering results where they matter most.