Leaburg Forest Due for Sixteen-Acre Trim
EWEB and Trout Mountain Forestry are implementing a variable retention harvest on 15.9 acres of the Leaburg Forest as part of the 925-acre forest's stewardship plan.
As part of its Healthy Forests Clean Water Program, EWEB actively manages these lands to demonstrate best forest management practices to protect water quality and improve forest health. Management includes protection of sensitive habitat and reserve areas, thinning, promoting diverse forest structure and removal of invasive plants.
Timber harvesting operations are planned from approximately May 11 through June 30, 2026.
The Leaburg Forest reseeded naturally following early logging. The current second-growth forest is now comprised primarily of Douglas-fir with varying density and tree vigor. EWEB’s objective is a diverse forest comprised of native trees and understory vegetation that is resilient to weather, insects, and disease and provides rich wildlife habitat.
Goals for the project include:
- Demonstrate conservation-based forestry practices
- Conduct sustainable timber harvest with proceeds going back into the forest
- Promote a forest comprised of a variety of different ages to provide a diversity of habitats
- Comply with Federal dam license requirements for public safety, habitat enhancement, public education, and recreation
This variable retention harvest has 30% of the area (4.4 acres) retained as individual leave trees or in groups to provide long term structural diversity and habitat opportunities. Individual leave trees are generally the dominant component of the stand with large diameters and deep crowns or may be large individuals infected with rot or heavy defect, indicating value as wildlife trees. Grouped retention is located adjacent to a non-fish bearing seasonal stream, in areas of large dominants with habitat value (large limbs, defect etc.), and near the Leaburg Canal. Retention is also positioned to reduce the visual impact of the harvest.
Hardwoods and young understory conifer regeneration will also be retained when possible.
Following harvest, the site will be replanted.
For public safety and the safety of operators, EWEB and Trout Mountain Forestry requests that folks stay clear of the property.
