Forest Service seeks input on post-Little Giant Fire recovery

CHELAN COUNTY — The public has a few days to provide input on the U.S. Forest Service’s proposed recovery efforts on forest land impacted by the Little Giant Fire.

The Little Giant Fire was the largest wildfire in Chelan County’s history, impacting approximately 170,000 acres of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. According to the Forest Service, the fire created extensive high- and moderate-severity burn conditions, resulting in tree mortality across the landscape, safety hazards, threatened critical infrastructure, and dramatically altered forest health over more than 270 square miles.

Post-fire, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has put together a two-part recovery project structured to address immediate needs while planning for the long-term restoration of the burned area.

“After 100+ days engaging the largest wildfire in Chelan County’s history, we have an opportunity to move quickly,” said Forest Supervisor Tara Umphries. “Once the embers cool, the recovery clock is already ticking—not only to address hazards, but to restore safe public access and rebuild the forest’s resilience before the initial window for certain aspects of positive recovery closes.”

Phase 1 of the project will focus on time-sensitive work that must occur this winter. Snow and frozen ground will help protect soils and streams as crews harvest fire-killed trees, reduce hazardous fuels, and make public areas such as roads and campgrounds safe again, according to the Forest Service.

The first phase relies on the National Post‑Fire Recovery Environmental Assessment. It is authorized under a Fuels and Forest Health Emergency Situation Determination, allowing expedited action to prevent further resource damage.

Phase 2 is slated to begin in spring 2027 and will address long-term needs, such as replanting trees, repairing streams and wildlife habitat, rebuilding trails, and reducing future fire risks. Long-term recovery work is expected to unfold over many years.

According to the Forest Service, a request for more than $83 million dollars to support this post-fire recovery work is currently pending Congressional funding.

"We have a unique opportunity after the wildfire to strengthen the landscape’s resilience, guide its long-term recovery and reduce risk associated with future wildfires, together with our partners, Tribes, and local communities, we are committed to helping this improve the long-term health and resilience of this landscape,” added Umphries.

The proposed action plan and other supporting documents can be found on the Forest Service website. The public can provide input through Oct. 26 by submitting online comments via CARA.