Contributed by Pete Caligiuri – Forest Ecologist, The Nature Conservancy, Bob Madden – Deputy Chief of Fire Operations, Bend Fire, and Deana Wall – Fuels Program Manager, Deschutes National Forest Hey Central Oregon: we’ve got a question for you – How many of you noticed smoke in the air last spring? Did you wonder why? […]
Wildfire is a certainty. We’re finding solutions to allow us to live with it better. Some of us love the Deschutes National Forest because its majesty inspires us…others because it provides us clean air and water…serves as critical wildlife habitat…creates living-wage jobs in recreation and forest products industries…is a key draw for visitors. What we […]
Within the Deschutes National Forest we now have approximately 450,000 acres of unnatural, unhealthy forest in need of active restoration. We’re all familiar with these conditions: overgrown, shrubby understories…overly dense forests that are chock-full of small trees, many of them species that are not tolerant of fire….creating a landscape primed for the mega-fires we’re seeing today. The consequences? […]
Land managers and public health officials have come together to develop two new tools that will provide Central Oregonians with a one-stop shop fire information resource. Central Oregon Fire (www.centraloregonfire.org) offers up to date information on prescribed fire and wildfire locations, smoke impacts, and health resources. Also, you can now sign up for text alerts […]
Contributed by Lauri Turner, Wildlife Biologist The Deschutes National Forest is an economic engine for our region, a source of clean and abundant water, and an outdoor playground. We live, work and play here but as our recreation through the forest and trail development continues in surrounding areas, it is increasingly important that we think […]
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Contributed by Robbie Flowers, PhD. Forest Entomologist for the USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Protection. Central Oregon Forest Insect and Disease Service Center. As spring transitions into early summer in Central Oregon, we’ll begin to see more than just warmer weather and tank tops but also the return of an insect that has a deep […]
On November 7, 2017, the West Bend Project received the 2017 Forest Service’s Chief’s Honor Award, the highest award given by the Forest Service. The Chief’s Honor Award publicly recognizes outstanding accomplishments that contribute to the Forest Service’s strategic goals. The prestigious honor was given to the West Bend Project in the category of “Sustaining […]
A Public Service Announcement from the Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association Legal fireworks have gone on sale just as Central Oregon is entering into an extended period of very hot and dry weather. Grasses, sagebrush and other fuels are rapidly drying, creating a high fire danger situation. Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties are currently under […]
How does a team with contrasting perspectives successfully work together to create healthier forests? Can a team like this be a role model for other communities in the West hoping to prevent severe wildfires? In March 2018, the City Club of Central Oregon selected Deschutes Collaborative Forest Project to present at their monthly forum. The discussion showcased our […]
With summer quickly approaching, people of the PNW are gearing up for camping trips, lazy lake days, and endless adventures of good times with good beers. To protect our amazing backyard, we need to be proactive in restoring the wildlands and for Beer No. 2 in the “Sustainable Session Series”, Goodlife Brewing has teamed up […]
By Alan Unger, Tony DeBone & Tammy Baney One reason Central Oregonians love this area is the striking landscape provided by the Deschutes National Forest. The forest is the backdrop of our lives and the core of our identity and sense of place. We have a unique relationship with our forest. It is our playground, […]
After several years of serious wildfires west of Bend, The US Forest Service is working to create a firebreak along Forest Road 370 that will protect the Bridge Creek watershed from a catastrophic forest fire that could endanger Bend’s water supply.
