entiat ranger district

The mild winter and recent warmer temperatures are giving crews access to prescribed fire units earlier this year than last.

It's part of an ongoing project to keep the forest healthy by removing tree limbs, logs, and other forest debris that could potentially feed a wildfire.

Forest Service spokesperson Robin DeMario says there are plenty of visually striking views available to people passing through in cars.

Since June 1, there've been about 200 human-caused or undetermined fire starts that have impacted National Forest lands in Oregon and Washington.

The host is a volunteer position which requires keeping track of camping reservations, maintaining restrooms and offering handyman skills.

Wood cutting is allowed in designated locations in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.