Natural Resources

Firewood Permits

The NRD issues Firewood Permits in designated locations on reservation land to Tribal Members for personal use not to exceed 5 cords per year.

Permits are available at the NRD Monday thru Friday from 8am – 12pm and 1pm – 5pm; or you may contact the NRD at 503-879-2424 to inquire of permit availability. Tribal members wishing to obtain a permit must provide information such as Tribal Roll number, name, address, vehicle plate, make and model number, Driver’s License number, Telephone number.

Firewood Permit, Load Ticket and Window Flyer are required to be with the Tribal Member while obtaining and transporting firewood.

Firewood permits may be unavailable depending upon fire conditions 

General Rules: 

1. Only firewood marked or otherwise designated may be removed from the permit area.
2. Where the cutting of standing trees is allowed, stumps shall be no higher than 12 inches or as otherwise shown on this permit.
3. Concurrent with cutting firewood, unused material will be removed from roads and ditches and piled in openings and clearings, or as otherwise indicated on this permit.
4. Road surfaces, ditches and shoulders must not be blocked or damaged.
5. Firewood permits are for personal use only, and shall not be sold or exchanged. Violators will be prosecuted with revocation of the permit and denial of future permits.
6. Permit must be kept with permittee at all times when cutting or transporting firewood.  The permit may not be transferred or use by other, unless authorized.
7. Load tickets provided must be securely attached to the back of the load and be clearly visible.  The load tickets must be validated by completely removing the month and date of the firewood removal.
8. During fire season, the permittee shall have a cache of fire equipment as determined by the officer in charge.  The minimum amount of equipment will consist of: one shovel, one axe, one bucket, a fire extinguisher of not less than 8az capacity by weight and in possession of the operator, and an approved spark arrester on the chain saw.
9. Fire season is normally from mid-May to mid-October, but it may occur earlier in the spring or last later into the fall depending on weather conditions.
10. Obey all State fire laws, rules and regulations.

Greenery Permits

The NRD issues Greenery Permits on reservation land to Tribal Members for personal use or commercial use.

Permits are available at the NRD Monday thru Friday from 8am – 12pm and 1pm – 5pm; or you may contact the NRD at 503-879-2424 to inquire of permit availability. Tribal members wishing to obtain a permit must provide information such as Tribal Roll number, name, address, vehicle plate, make and model number, Driver’s License number, Telephone number.

Greenery Permit and Window Flyer are required to be with the Tribal Member while obtaining and transporting the material.

Greenery permits may be unavailable depending upon fire conditions.

The Harvesting of greenery is prohibited within 100 feet of hiking trails, riparian areas, and the day use park.

Personal Use greenery permits will be issued to all eligible tribal members at no cost for a pre-determined quantity.

• Shrubs and bushes transplants Up to 6 2 ft tall
• Christmas Trees 2 12 ft tall
• Fern 10 bunches
• Moss 25 lbs
• Salal 25 lbs
• Oregon Grape 25 lbs
• Boughs 30 lbs
• Cones 3 bushels
• Conks 6 each
• Cascara 5 lbs green weight
• Berries Nuts and Mushrooms 2 gallons
• Poles corral or Tee Pee 40 each
• Posts fence 25 each

Commercial Greenery permits are also available. Each permit costs 5.00. A separate permit is required when harvesting multiple materials.  A Commercial permit will allow the tribal member to sell, exchange, or trade for other goods or services.

Christmas Trees

The NRD makes available Christmas tree permits to all tribal members. Christmas trees must be located within an average distance of 12 feet of three or more similar trees and no more than 16 feet tall and a minimum of 2 feet tall. All trees must be cut off no more than 12” from ground level measured at the uphill side.

Camping

Big Buck Campground now has a $7 per night fee and a $3.50 reservation fee for non-Tribal members. Tribal members making a reservation will need to check the Tribal member box on the website and provide proof of enrollment. Call 503-879-2424 for assistance.

• Reservation Road Map
• Online reservation kiosk
• More information can be found in the "Recreation and Projects" section of this page.

Our Mission

The mission of the Fish and Wildlife Program is to protect and enhance fish and wildlife resources for the Tribal membership. The program provides a Tribal voice for issues that may impact fish and wildlife resources or the health, rights and opportunities of the Tribal membership to utilize important natural resources. To actively pursue Tribal Sovereignty through leadership and increased management authorities on all Tribal lands.

What We Do

The Fish and Wildlife department examines the health of deer and elk herds on the Reservation, and provides better forage and habitat. The department also conducts surveys for Threatened and Endangered species that may occur on the Reservation and any other tribal trust properties. Always looking at ways to improve fish habitat and populations in Reservation streams.

Memorandum of Agreement

Grand Ronde - ODFW Fish and Wildlife Agreement
In August 2023, members of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde gained widely expanded access to areas of the Tribe’s historical homelands for subsistence and ceremonial hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering. The expanded area, which was made possible through an agreement with the state of Oregon, honors the Tribe’s connection to the land and our way of life.

Learn more

Projects

The Department works on a variety of projects, ranging in scope from water quality monitoring to big game meadow creation. One of the more extensive ongoing projects includes capturing adult salmon and steelhead that are migrating up Agency Creek in the fall and winter and then trapping young out-migrating salmon and steelhead in the spring. We are also monitoring local deer populations by radio collaring and tracking their areas of use on the Reservation. In spring 2008, 2010, and 2011 we implanted Pacific lamprey at Willamette Falls with radio transmitters to track their movements throughout the Upper Willamette River basin.

Tribal Wildlife Management Plan

Pacific Lamprey

Pacific lamprey is a culturally significant species to the Tribe and is also found in Agency Creek. For reasons unknown, they are in declining in abundance. The Tribe is working collaboratively with Oregon State University and Cramer Fish Sciences to conduct behavior research on the species. It is a four-year study that began in 2008.

Hunting

Big game such as deer and elk may be hunted by the public during the regular hunting season on the Reservation.

Hunting Information

Fishing

With a Tribal harvest license, you can now fish for all species that do not require a special ODFW fishing tag within the MOA boundary Trask, Stott Mountain, Willamette, Wilson, Santiam and Santiam Unit with a modified eastern boundary, and associated marine zones.

Fishing Information

Helpful Links

• www.dfw.state.or.us
• ODFW Disability Application
• Duplicate Card Request Form
• Fish and Wildlife Ordinance

Our Mission

The mission of the Recreation Program is to provide, create, organize and enhance recreational opportunities for the Tribal membership.

The Reservation provides a variety of recreational opportunities. Hiking trails are being developed along Yoncalla, Burton, and Coast Creeks. An educational day-use park and campground along Agency Creek have been established and are open to the public. Fishing is being enhanced by improving the habitat for native trout and steelhead.

Summer Youth Crew

Each summer, the Fish and Wildlife Department employs a summer youth crew to work on different projects on the Reservation and in the community. In addition to learning basic job skills and getting a chance to tackle a Challenge Course, these high school age youths have the opportunity to work on such projects as the historic Tillamook Trail and the Fort Yamhill State Park restoration, as well as camp out for a night or two to work at The Nature Conservancy’s Cascade Head and the Willamette River Water Trail.

Big Buck Campground - Reservations Required

Please be mindful of the following policies:

• Camping is allowed in The Big Buck Campground Only.
• Campsite may be occupied for 7 consecutive days. Campers wishing to stay more than 7 days must leave Big Buck for 7 days and then request another stay. No camper may exceed any 30 days in a rolling calendar year.
• Registered camper will be held responsible for the campsite and any visitors.
• Open fires are permitted in the provided campfire rings only. Never leave a campfire unattended.
• Keep camping area clean at all times.
• No trash or items are to be left behind. Clean up will be billed to last registered camper if left unkempt. A $150 fine will be issued to permittees that leave any solid waste or trash in their campsite upon leaving.
• Vehicles may park in designated parking areas only. All vehicles must be listed on permit and may not block any access roads.
• Registered recreation vehicle or accompanying vehicle must have current registration, license, or valid trip permit. All appropriate identifying licensure is to be displayed in plain view. A copy of the appropriate licensure will be required PRIOR to receiving permit.
• A vehicle capable of towing the recreational vehicle or other camping structure (i.e. tent, tarp, etc.) must be available when campsite is occupied.
• Quiet hours are from 10:00pm to 9:00am.
• Do not feed wildlife. It is a violation of the law to feed wildlife.
• Reserved signs will be provided at your campsite upon arrival or will be provided to you with your permit. Please leave on the picnic table upon departure. In the event you will be away from your campsite please post at campsite entrance. This will inform other campers that this site is currently occupied.
• Do not cut, chop or carve into live/standing trees.
• No fireworks within the campground.
• No firearms are to be discharged within 100 yards of Big Buck Campground.
• Violations of the above policies could result in Trespass from Big Buck Campground for a time to be determined.

During fire season these rules apply:

• For the purpose of fire evacuation a person must always have the ability to remove all items and immediately vacate as soon as directed. Under no uncertain terms is a recreational vehicle to be left without the ability to be instantly moved upon notification.
• Shovel, axe, and a fire extinguisher (rated 4-BC) will be required at each campsite.
• Depending upon the season severity, BIG BICK CAMPGROUND may be closed to all fires. Campers will be notified by NRD/Security/or the Tribal Patrol Officer.
• Open Flame, of any kind, may be prohibited. This would include smoking.
• The campground may be closed to all camping.

Directions to the campground:

• Google Maps
• Trail Map
• Direction Map
• Campsite Map

*As a common courtesy to your fellow camper, please have all campsites vacated by 2:00 pm the day of departure. Thank you, we hope to see you soon.

Annual Northwest Forest Pass

The Natural Resources department has an Annual Northwest Forest Pass available at no charge for enrolled Grand Ronde Tribal members while supplies last. One per household due to limited quantities. This pass is valid for one year from date of issue. The Forest Pass is valid at day-use sites in Oregon and Washington operated by the US Forest Service and where “Recreation Pass Required” signs are posted. Some examples are:

• Hebo Lake Picnic Site
• Derek Road Trailhead
• Quinault Rain Forest Trailhead
• Tumalo Falls Trailhead
• Lava River Cave Interpretive Site
• Crane Prairie
• Bagby Hot Springs Trailhead
• Wickiup Plains Trailhead
• Lake Serene Trailhead
• Clear Lake Public boating site
• W. Fork Humtulips Middle Trailhead

The Forest Pass DOES NOT cover fees for:

• Sno-Parks (Winter Season)
• Some Concessionaire operated sites
• Developed Campgrounds
• Cabin rentals, Wilderness Climbing and River Permits
• County Parks
• State Parks

Complete list of sites that require day-use passes

If you have any questions regarding this pass or other permits offered by the Natural Resources department please contact the Natural Resources department at 503-879-2424.

Our Mission
The Silviculture and Fire Protection Program’s mission is to promote the Tribal tradition of being good stewards of all natural resources by protecting and maintaining forest health and productivity for future use. The Program will use the best available science and Tribal ecological knowledge to make balanced decisions and will maintain a state of protective readiness to guard Tribal natural resources.

Site Preparation

Following regeneration harvest, residual vegetation and logging debris would be treated if necessary to reduce fire hazard, provide room for planting of tree seedlings, lessen initial competition from other vegetation, and limit the cover for seedling damaging rodents. Methods used would include prescribed fire and mechanical clearing. The preferred method of site preparation is prescribed fire. Burning is usually conducted when soil and fuel moistures conditions will keep fire intensity low. Low intensity fires on the Reservation have insignificant impacts on site productivity. Moderate to high intensity fires have the potential to reduce soil productivity, volatilize significant amounts of available nitrogen and sulfur, and increase leaching of important nutrients.

The techniques employed to reduce compaction during mechanical clearing include using low ground pressure machines, clearing only when soils are very dry, and rehabilitate by ripping an/or water barring any ground based skid trails after clearing.

Reforestation Methods Planting Stock

Planting is the primary method of reforestation used on the Reservation. Artificial and natural seeding, with exception of red alder and big leaf maple, are not effective or as rapid as planting. Natural regeneration may supplement planting but is not relied on for stocking.

The selection of tree species, planting density (usually 10’x10’), and stock types depends on site characteristics, the composition of the original stand, and projected future management of each stand. Douglas-fir is the major species planted, comprising 85 to 95 percent of the total trees. Whereas, western hemlock, western red cedar, grand-fir, red alder, and big leaf maple species comprise 5 to 15 percent of the stands. The hardwood component such as red alder and big leaf maple comes into the stand through natural seeding, while big leaf maple is maintained in the stand through stump sprouts.

Seed Source and Genetic Improvement

The NRD, through Cooperative Agreement with the Bureau of Land Management, has acquired seed from its forest genetics program. In their program, several conifer species (douglas-fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock) have been selected for genetically controlled characteristics such as growth, tree form and resistance to disease. This seed source will comprise be no more than 25 percent of the seedling production contracts. The remaining seed will be collected on the Reservation by felling phenotypically superior trees in coordination with the projected 10-year harvest plan.

Timber Stand Improvement

Timber stand improvement activities such as pre-commercial thinning, fertilization, and pruning are preformed to promote growth while maintaining health and productivity. Monitoring these silvicultural treatments will verify that objectives are being met under the established guidelines set by the Natural Resources Division.

Fire Program

Through the Master Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement, Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for initial attack and management of Reservation fires.

The Tribe does have a self-sufficient fire program that works closely with the Oregon Department of Forestry. This program exists because of the Tribes Cooperative Agreement with the BIA, Northwest Regional Office. This agreement facilitates the use of qualified Tribal employees on wildland fire and other emergency management activities. The agreement also explains the labor, equipment, and engine reimbursement process. Currently, the fire program has (1) Type 4 and (4) Type 6 engines. Engines are under rental agreement, which creates a revenue stream that funds the program. The program also supports a 20 person Type 2 IA crew, which can be dispatched anywhere in the Continental United States.

The Timber and Roads Department have two primary missions. The first mission is to plan and implement sustainable timber harvests on the Tribes’ forest and maximize the revenue obtained from the sale of timber while preserving habitat for fish and wildlife and ensuring a healthy forest for future generations. Secondly, the Timber and Roads Department is responsible for managing forest roads for transporting timber to markets, to maintain access for managing the forest, for protecting the forest from fire, and for recreational access by the tribal membership and the public.

• Annual Timber Use Policy and Minor Forest Products Ordinance
• Forest Practices Ordinance

Timber Harvest

The Tribe practices even-flow, sustained-yield management of their timber resource. The Tribe’s 2023 thru 2033 Natural Resources Management Plan (NRMP) allows an average annual timber harvest of 5.02 million board feet. The harvesting program includes regeneration, salvage, and commercial thinning practices. Within the current NRMP, commercial thinning is implemented on timber stands between 30 and 60 years of age. Regeneration harvests are permitted when the average stand age is 70 years old on the eastern portion and 60 years old in the western portion of the Reservation. Riparian management rules are adhered to so that water quality of the Tribes’ streams is maintained. Wildlife trees and other unique habitat found within regeneration harvest areas are preserved to provide habitat for various wildlife species.

Roads

The Reservation has 117.92 miles of forest roads, approximately 4.25 miles of new road will be constructed during the current NRMP. Roads provide a means for moving logs from the forest to markets and provide access for various forms of recreation. The Tribes’ Reservation is open to the public for recreation, including hiking, mountain biking, ATV riding, hunting and fishing. The Tribes’ Reservation has become more popular as a recreation site in the last 10 years with development of hiking trails, the Big Buck Campground, and because private timber companies and the US Forest Service have closed much of their land over the last decade or more. Due to the increase in use and popularity of the Reservation, the Tribes have implemented a road access management policy. This policy closes approximately 42% roads to vehicle traffic for various reasons such as to protect soils, water quality or wildlife, while other roads are closed to reduce maintenance costs and open road density. During general bow and rifle deer and elk seasons approximately 70% of roads are open to motorized vehicle traffic.

New roads on the Reservation are carefully designed using forest road engineering standards. Road maintenance is funded by fees assessed to timber sales proportionate with the volume and use of the Reservation Road system and by user fees of Tribal roads. The roads are maintained by Tribal personnel and equipment when available and through service agreements with local Contractors.