The Land Trust has been pile burning at several Land Trust Sisters-area Preserves, as well as at Priday Ranch near Madras. Pile burning is the next step in our forest restoration efforts to help reduce wildfire danger at our Preserves and for our neighbors, while also helping mimic historic forest conditions and improving habitat for wildlife. The burn piles consist primarily of small diameter juniper and pine that was thinned this spring and summer.
In January and early February, we had favorable weather conditions that allowed us to complete pile burning at Priday Ranch, Camp Polk Meadow Preserve, and Whychus Canyon Preserve. About half of our anticipated pile burning has occurred at Rimrock Ranch. We are still hoping to burn piles at Aspen Hollow Preserve. Aspen Hollow Preserve and Rimrock Ranch will remain closed to visitors during any future burning.
Continued pile burning is currently on hold until Central Oregon receives more precipitation and conditions improve. The pile burning is weather dependent and will be completed in consultation with the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and in compliance with ODF’s smoke management plan. The contractor will postpone burning if weather conditions are unfavorable. Stay tuned for more details!
Learn more:
- Forest Restoration in Progress at Several Land Trust Preserves
- Pile Burning 101
- East Cascade Dry Forests and their historic conditions