EFM is pleased to announce the sale of 13,400 acres of Central Oregon forestland to the US Forest Service. This represents an important step in advancing landscape-scale conservation and long-term public stewardship in the region, alongside a positive return for our investors.

The Desolation Creek property in Grant County has been under EFM management since 2014. During our ownership, we focused on:

• improving the health, structural complexity and species diversity of the forest
• reducing fire risk through thinning, fuel breaks, and emphasizing fire-resistant species.
• restoring riparian and upland habitats to protect the ecosystem and create improved fish habitat
• establishing and expanding opportunities for public recreation, including hunting, camping, and fishing

IMPROVED FOREST HEALTH & TIMBER INVENTORY
Under our stewardship, forest inventory increased approximately 50% from 38 to 57 million board feet, underscoring the effectiveness of climate-smart active forest management approach. Thinning operations significantly improved timber stands and served as a key component of the fire risk mitigation strategy, including the creation of a shaded fuel break along the US Forest Service border. These practices supported long-term biodiversity benefits, created more valuable timber and forage resources, and encouraged a shift toward fire-adapted species like Ponderosa pine.

NEW PART OF THE NATIONAL FOREST
The Desolation property was an inholding in the Umatilla National Forest, which covers 1.4 million acres of diverse landscapes and plant communities. Integrating such inholdings into national forests enables more cohesive land management, improves habitat connectivity, and enhances the Forest Service’s ability to implement large-scale ecological restoration. This transfer ensures the land is permanently protected from development.

STREAM RESTORATION AND RIPARIAN PROTECTION
One challenge for this ecosystem was the presence of livestock in the riparian zone around Desolation Creek. Grazing cattle can erode the stream bed and disturb native species while negatively impacting water quality and fish habitat. We worked with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to install 50 miles of fencing that protected the creek, related springs and surrounding meadows. This project also established 13 troughs outside of the riparian zone to provide water sources for cattle. We maintained grazing on the property because it was a critical resource to three ranching families, and we worked with them to improve grazing practices.

We also partnered with the Umatilla Indian Reservation, recognizing the cultural heritage and ecological knowledge the Tribe brings to the landscape to develop a long-term restoration plan for Desolation Creek. This collaboration included side channel creation, installation of large woody debris, and riparian vegetation planting, reinforcing our shared commitment to holistic ecosystem restoration.

We are grateful to the North Fork John Day Watershed Council for their restoration and outreach efforts, including a three-year collaboration with the Oregon Youth Conservation Corps to sponsor youth conservation crews.

RECREATION AND COMMUNITY VALUE
Since acquisition, Desolation Creek was open to permitted public access. In 2016, we enrolled the property in the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Access Program to support hunting, maintain campsites, and monitor recreational use.

According to an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife report: “EFM’s current restoration and management activities are contributing to improved aquatic and terrestrial habitat and long-term value creation. The Desolation Creek Land Management Plan employs forest practices that aim to reduce fuel loads, improve tree spacing and structural complexity, and foster more fire-resistant conditions.”

“We are proud of the environmental and financial outcomes achieved through this transaction. Our work resulted in significant ecological restoration, including increased biodiversity and reduced fire risk, while also delivering a strong financial return through sustainable land management. These outcomes underscore the potential for our climate-smart approach to generate lasting value for our investors, as well as nature and communities,” said Bettina von Hagen, CEO of EFM.