1/5/2025

Higher resolution scoping maps have been added to the Documents tab.

12/8/2025

Douglas-Fir Mortality Complex Scoping Period The Ashland Field Office is seeking scoping input on potential treatment locations for the Douglas-Fir Mortality Complex (DMC) EA. Scoping is the process by which the BLM solicits input for potential issues, impacts, and alternatives to be addressed in an environmental assessment (EA) complying with the National Environmental Policy Act. This project focuses on approximately 9,000 acres of BLM managed areas that shows extensive dead and dying trees in the vicinity of Eagle Point, Jacksonville, Lake Creek, Medford, and Ruch for responder and public safety. Treatment areas for the DMC EA were initially identified through aerial detection surveys, field verification of beetle infestation, and indicators of tree decline. Additional treatment areas were identified for green thinning near areas of mortality. BLM specialists then refined the finalized treatment units to meet survey compliance standards for their respective resources. The BLM is seeking input on potential resource conflicts with identified treatment areas, areas that the public feel are highest priority, additional areas within the project area (see maps attached in letter) experiencing conifer mortality, and any other areas within the Ashland Field Office that may benefit from treatment. The final treatment areas for the DMC EA will vary depending on what alternative is selected. For example, a subset of these potential treatment areas may be chosen to move forward. Please see the attached table and maps for the potential treatment areas currently under consideration for the DMC EA. For more information concerning the DMC EA, you may contact Justin Cournoyer at (541) 618-2229 or Emily Ellison at (541) 618-2450. Please submit your written scoping comments through one of the following methods: NEPA #: DOI-BLM-ORWA-M060-2026-0001-EA Online at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2041633/510

        By mail: Attn: DMC EA

Ashland Field Office Bureau of Land Management 3040 Biddle Road Medford, Oregon 97504 Your scoping input will be accepted through Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Substantive comments are those that provide new information, issues, alternatives, flaws, or credible research. Non-substantive comments are out-of-scope, lack specificity, focus on opinion, or restates existing policies.