Rivers to Ridges Partnership plans fall ecological burns

With the return of seasonal rains and cooler weather, the Rivers to Ridges Partnership and other organizations are gearing up for ecological burns across Lane County this fall. These controlled burns provide several community benefits.

Ecological burns may occur now through the end of October. Dates are tentative because burns are carried out only during optimal weather conditions and with adequate resources.

Highly visible plannedcontrolled burns for 2024

Activity related to controlled may be noticeable in the following locations:

• Coburg Hills - On conservation lands in the Coburg Ridge northeast of Eugene-Springfield east of I-5.
• Mt. Pisgah - Within the Howard Buford Recreation Area east of I-5.
• Dorris Ranch - South of Springfield.
• Willow Creek Preserve - South and west of W. 18th Avenue and Bertelsen Road in west Eugene.
• West Eugene Wetlands - near Greenhill Road, Royal Avenue, and W. 11^th Avenue west to Fern Ridge Reservoir.
• Oak and Prairie Habitats - near Crow Road and near Lorane Highway.

The Rivers to Ridges Partnership has published an interactive map of planned ecological burns for the 2024 season.

Ecological fires provide community benefits

Each controlled burn is a strategically planned project that undergoes rigorous review and is carried out by highly trained fire crews using detailed burn plans. The prescribed application of fire involves low-intensity fire and follows strict weather and safety protocols.

These controlled burns are vital for environmental preservation, enhancing native prairie, savanna, and oak woodland habitats. Systematically introducing these prescribed fires revives natural processes, boosts ecosystem health, provides opportunities for traditional cultural learning and training opportunities for fire suppression responders, and protects communities.

Prescribed fire can reduce wildfire risks by clearing dry vegetation, reducing the likelihood of larger, uncontrollable wildfires in the future, and ensuring the longevity and resilience of Lane County lands.

More information about the benefits of ecological burning can be found on The Nature Conservancy's website or at the City of Eugene's website.

Partners and Organizations Engaged with Ecological and Cultural Burning:

Organizations active in ecological and cultural burning include Lane County Parks, Friends of Buford Park and Mt. Pisgah, City of Eugene, Bureau of Land Management, Long Tom Watershed Council, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, McKenzie River Trust, US Army Corps of Engineers, The Nature Conservancy, Willamalane Park and Recreation District, Ecostudies Institute, Oregon Department of Forestry, the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, fire districts, and the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency and others.

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