The Tree-Mendous Victory Party at Worthy Brewing Tuesday celebrates legal protections safeguarding large trees.

Tree lovers, unite! Those fond of forestland are invited to Worthy Brewing’s Tree-Mendous Victory Party Tuesday to celebrate legal protections safeguarding large trees.

A set of rules named the Eastside Screens were reinstated by a federal judge in March, restoring protections for trees larger than 21” in diameter across 7.8 million acres of Oregon’s and Washington’s eastside forests, according to a press release.

“This ruling was a crucial victory that demonstrated the power of community and perseverance,” said Ben Gordon, executive director of Central Oregon LandWatch. “As we are increasingly confronted with the twin threats of the climate and biodiversity crises, protecting the few remaining large trees in our federally managed forests is imperative.”

In an email to The Bulletin, Gordon said while the biggest and oldest trees in the Eastside Screens make up 3% of regional forests east of the Cascade Crest in Oregon and Washington, the trees store 42% of forest carbon. Those trees also provide critical habitat for wildlife, help maintain healthy rivers and streams and offer resilience against wildfires.

LandWatch partnered with five conservation organizations and the Nez Perce Tribe to challenge a ruling that removed protections in 2021. A federal court found the ruling a violation of three environmental laws; the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Forest Management Act and the Endangered Species Act, Gordon said.

The ruling was made possible, in part, by a high level of public engagement that included more than 3,000 public comments and a packed courtroom at the Pendleton hearing in August.

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What’s happening at the Tree-Mendous Victory Party?

The event sets the stage for community connection, allowing those passionate about trees and environmental conservation to meet and mingle with activities. Worthy Brewing, a Bend-based brewery and community hub for environmental advocacy, will host tree-themed trivia, chances to win free beverages and raffle prizes at the party.

According to an event poster, there’ll be “free, weird, fun” and live music that adheres to the tree theme with live performances by Bend reggae rock band Rubbah Tree.

What else can I do to protect the trees?

Those interested in taking further action to protect trees may comment on the U.S. Forest Service’s draft environmental impact statement (DEIS), Gordon said. It proposes national amendments to rules governing old-growth forest management, limiting the removal of trees across 128 forest management units nationwide.

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If You Go

What: Tree-Mendous Victory Party

When: 5-6 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend

Cost: Free, RSVPs appreciated

Contact: centraloregonlandwatch.org