BFO Archeological Survey for Salvage Sales

Funding is requested to complete archaeological surveys needed to support the Fox Fire Salvage Sale and the Lookout Mountain Density Management Project within the Baker Field Office. These surveys are required to ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and to allow implementation of priority forest management actions following the Fox Fire. The projects support Department and Bureau priorities for hazardous fuels reduction, forest health and resilience, recovery of economic value from fire-damaged timber, and proactive vegetation management to reduce future wildfire risk. The salvage sale will recover value from fire-impacted timber before deterioration occurs, while the Lookout Mountain Density Management Project will improve stand conditions, reduce fuel loading, and increase long-term forest resilience across the project area. Failure to complete archaeological surveys in a timely manner will delay project planning and implementation, reduce the volume of merchantable timber available for salvage, increase future wildfire and insect and disease risks, and postpone achievement of forest health, resource management, and local economic objectives. These surveys are a critical prerequisite for project completion and associated stewardship outcomes.