Eastside Mastication Project (2018 & 2022)

The Eastside Mastication Project is a forest management effort by the U.S. Forest Service designed to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health within young plantations on the Barlow Ranger District. The project involves mechanically thinning and masticating small-diameter trees and dense brush, especially in overgrown areas where fuel has accumulated. These treatments aim to reduce vegetation density, slow the spread of wildfires, and support more resilient forest ecosystems.

This project includes treatments planned in 2018 and 2022. Collectively the two decisions will result in treatments on more than 5000 acres of young plantations across the Barlow Ranger District.

Treatments for the Eastside Mastication Project will be focused on areas with slopes less than 40% to allow safe and effective use of mechanical equipment. The overall goal is to enhance forest structure and support long-term forest health.

Before the 1990s, plantations on the Mt. Hood National Forest were typically created after clearcut logging. Once large areas of trees were removed, they were replanted—often with a single species like Douglas-fir—to quickly regenerate timber for future harvest. These plantations were planted densely and managed for rapid growth, with less attention to natural diversity, wildlife habitat, or wildfire risk.

Restoration is important today because many of these plantations have grown into overly crowded stands with uniform tree sizes and species. This makes them more vulnerable to pests, disease, and high-severity wildfires. Restoration efforts, like mastication and thinning, help bring back more natural forest conditions—supporting biodiversity, improving resilience to drought, and reducing the risk of severe wildfire.

To learn more about the project visit the Mt. Hood National Forest website here.