Visit to East Moraine Community Forest
On Wednesday, May 8, the group came together at the East Moraine Community Forest and trekked up to the upper ridgeline. The East Moraine Community Forest, a 1,800-acre property, has been a cherished piece of Wallowa County for generations. In 2021 it was officially established to maintain “scenic, cultural, rangeland, and forestland open space uses; public recreation; and educational uses”[1].
Photo:
Sustainable Northwest
Picture Right: Nils Christofferson, Wallowa Resources
During our visit, our group took a look at an example of a thinning effort which took place in some younger age tree stands within the more heavily forested portion of the property. As the group made their way into the higher elevation reaches of the property, the forest composition transitioned to higher density douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and western larch composition. Signs of younger saplings and multi-aged forest stands became more present throughout the property.
At the top of the ridge, Pete Schreder, with Oregon State University, took the opportunity to share more about the cattle grazing efforts taking place on the property. Much of Union and Wallowa County is comprised of rangeland, and the East Moraine Community Forest is no different. The Community Forest is implementing a virtual fencing project with the OSU. This project will allow cattle grazing on the property for two area ranchers. Pete demonstrated how the collars get attached to each of the cattle, and how, through GPS connection, alarm bells, and electric pulses, cattle are able to remain contained within the property without the need for fencing installation.
Pete Schreder - Discussing the virtual fencing effort taking place on the East Moraine Community Forest.
Photo: Sustainable Northwest
The East Moraine Community Forest is in Joseph, Oregon, located directly above Wallowa Lake. When standing on the ridge, visitors get to experience an incredible view of the many peaks that make up the Eagle Cap Wilderness and the Wallowa Mountains, all located within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
[1] East Moraine Community Forest Multi-Use Management Plan.