Officials at Gifford Pinchot National Forest just announce they have increased
the fire danger rating to very high.

Officials are asking visitors and other Forest-users to take added precautions.

As you’re enjoying your campfire, remember these safety tips:

1. Once you have a fire going, add larger pieces of dry wood to keep it burning steadily
2. Keep your fire to a manageable size and do not burn a fire during the heat of the day
3. Make sure children and pets are supervised when near the fire
4. Never leave your campfire unattended
5. Never cut live trees or branches

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Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument scientist Peter Frenzen has been selected as Forest Service Region 6 Interpreter/Conservation Educator of the Year.

During his long tenure at the monument, Frenzen instituted interpretive and educational projects of local, regional and national significance. He was instrumental in the development of the monument’s three original visitor centers and interpretive sites, and is starting that process anew, leading the current effort to replace dated exhibits and film at the Johnston Ridge Observatory.

Frenzen also has helped train several generations of seasonal interpreters and has been key in the development of educational materials, symposia and …

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Forest Road 25 at Benham Creek 5 miles north of the Forest Road 99 junction to Windy Ridge may be closed at any time due to a landslide. Gifford Pinchot National Forest officials just made the announcement.

A large landslide closed the road last winter, and a temporary bridge was installed in June to provide access along the major north and south road. Recent heavy rains are dislodging additional material at the Benham Creek site forcing forest officials to consider a complete closure to protect the public.

Forest staffers have started work with Federal Highways on design and replacement of …

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