ENGINEERING GEOLOGY IN THE FOREST SERVICE’S PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION

For more than thirty-five years, geologists have helped the Forest Service manage the Pacific Northwest’s dynamic landscape. Engineering geologists assess hillslope susceptibility to landslides and other geomorphic processes under natural and managed conditions, and the resultant consequences. We assess post-wildfire landslide and debris flow susceptibility and off-site effects. We identify stable road locations, and investigate foundations for roads, retaining walls, bridges, and major culverts. During their tenure, engineering geologists have located, explored, and planned the development of rock sources that have supplied more than 100 million tons of aggregate, riprap, and related products. All of these efforts help to insure public safety, protect water quality, and minimize the effects of resource extraction and other land uses on adjacent ecosystems.