The Land Trust has completed another phase of juniper thinning at Priday Ranch.

Like many parts of Central Oregon, juniper trees grow at Priday Ranch in a greater abundance than they would have historically. This past month, we thinned 100 acres at Priday Ranch, considered the most dense section of trees on the property. Old growth trees on ridge tops and rocky outcrops were left, mimicking historical wildfire patterns.

This winter, after the cut and piled trees have a chance to dry out, they will be burned when weather conditions are favorable and permit us to do so safely. All of these steps help ensure that soils and plants in the thinned area are protected and overall disturbance is limited.

Our juniper thinning at Priday Ranch provides many benefits. It will increase the amount of available water for native grasses and wildflowers. It will also help reduce fire danger, and, if a fire does occur, improve the land's ability to bounce back afterwards. The older trees left at Priday Ranch also provide important cover for Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer.

Learn more:

• Join us for a Priday Ranch Tour