Willamette National Forest, Oregon - United States

The Willamette National Forest is a National Forest located in the central portion of the Cascade Range of US state of Oregon. It comprises 1,678,031 acres (6,790.75 km2) making it one of the largest national forests. Over 380,000 acres (694 mi2, 1,540 km2) are designated wilderness which include seven major mountain peaks. There are also several National Wild and Scenic Rivers within the forest. The forest is named for the Willamette River, which has its headwaters in the forest. The forest headquarters are located in the city of Eugene. There are local ranger district offices in McKenzie Bridge, Mill City, Detroit, Sweet Home, and Westfir.

The forest is famous for being at the center of the controversy between the logging industry and the endangered species status of the Northern Spotted Owl. Environmentalists maintain that the forest was aggressively clear-cut for many years threatening a federally listed endangered species, The timber industry contends that the forest can simultaneously provide lumber jobs and wildlife habitat. Since April 1994, the forest is governed by the Northwest Forest Plan, which restrict, but does not eliminate, logging in potential spotted owl habitat. Despite protest, the forest is still heavily logged and a drive through the region shows many recent clear-cuts.
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