Saturday, Jun. 28, 2008

Umatilla National Forest celebrates 100th birthday today

By Mary Hopkin, Herald staff writer

The Umatilla National Forest will celebrate its 100th anniversary today.

A celebration including a variety of activities will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Heritage Station Museum in Pendleton.

Admission is free.

Forest Supervisor Kevin Martin said he encourages anyone who has worked on the forest or contracted with the forest to attend the event.

The celebration will feature the High Desert Museum's Century of Service exhibit, which showcases historic pictures and artifacts while tracking the evolution of the U.S. Forest Service.

Rolf Anderson, a Forest Service retiree, will talk about the history of the agency at noon and read short stories written by retired Forest Service leaders.

Smokey the Bear will greet visitors and there will be special kid's activities until 2 p.m., when the formal centennial presentation will take place.

"Our centennial provides a great opportunity to reflect on the diversity, dedication and accomplishments of those who have worked together to manage these public lands for those who own it -- the people of the U.S.," said Martin. "We're expecting a number of employees, retirees, cooperators and partners to attend."

On July 1, 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the official proclamation joining what was originally three separate national forests -- the Heppner, Blue Mountain and Wenaha -- to create 1.4-million-acre Umatilla National Forest.

Today, the forest has four ranger districts and crosses 11 counties in two states.

When the forest was created, there were only nine employees to look after it.

Today, the Umatilla National Forest has about 160 permanent employees and more than 100 seasonal workers.

Several historic cabins, guard stations and fire lookouts remain in the forest and are available to rent during the summer.

For more information on the Umatilla National Forest Centennial, go to the forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/uma/ or call 541-278-3716.

* Mary Hopkin: 585-7207; mhopkin@tricityherald.com.