Investments and local capture on the Ochoco National Forest : restoration and timber contracts, 2006-2015

36 pagesRestoration contracts and timber sales on national forests and grasslands can generate economic activity and social benefits in nearby communities. The extent to which local communities realize these benefits depends on the amount of work contracted, the type of work contracted, and the ability of local businesses to bid on and receive the work. The Ochoco Forest Restoration Collaborative was interested in understanding the contracting trends, local awards, and local contractor capacity for restoration contracts and timber sales on the Ochoco National Forest. To address these interests, we performed a workforce assessment on the forest, considering both data trends and local contractor perspectives. We used Forest Service restoration contracting data, timber sales data, and contractor interviews to better understand how the Forest Service contracts with local businesses on the Ochoco National Forest.This work was supported with funds from the Oregon Department of Forestry Federal Forest Restoration Program