The primary goal of the project into reduce hazardous fuel loads to decrease risk of catastrophic wildfires on Tenino Bench. Secondary objectives include improving overall forest health and resiliency to insect outbreaks, drought, and improving big game habitat. The western boundary is the base of Shitike Butte, the north boundary runs along the County Line 2 Fire scar, generally the Seekseequa Canyon is the southern boundary with a small peninsula that stretches south along the M-200 and the easterly boundary is the tree line along the rim above Tenino Creek.

There are three stages for each area.
-  Stage one consists of mechanical mastication of trees less than 10.5" DBH and brush.
-  Stage two consists of hand thinning areas and piling slash and burning the piles.
-  Stage three is to reintroduce fire to the ecosystem using low intensity prescribed fires.

There are a few areas of hand thinning where piling and burning will be recommended. These areas are typically on steeper slopes and are also needed to provide protection for select sugar pine trees used for cone collection and reforestation needs. Approximately 9,500 acres are in planning for treatment.

*BNR would like to hear your feedback regarding the project on the survey questions below.*