City of Eugene, OR
07/12/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/12/2023 16:46
Moon Mountain Park Temporarily Closed
Following the wildfire at Moon Mountain Park, the City of Eugene Parks and Open Space Division has closed the park to the public until Friday, July 28.
During the closure, Park staff will assess the condition of the park trail and assess any hazards on or near the trail.
The fire burned 34.4 acres. The majority of the fire occurred on upland prairie, burning grasses and low vegetation.
More than 15 years of fuels reduction and habitat restoration to Moon Mountain Park reduced the fuel load and provided firefighters better access during this incident.
Even though it was a relatively small fire, the circumstances (windy, hot weather, steep terrain, poison oak and blackberries) made the response no easy task. Parks and Open Space would like to share their appreciation for the agencies whose swift work helped extinguish the fire fully in just a few days, protecting the habitat and neighboring properties from serious damage.
Responding agencies included: Eugene Springfield Fire, multiple districts from the Oregon Department of Forestry, Douglas Forest Protective Association, Coos Forest Protective Association, Pleasant Hill Goshen Fire and Rescue, and various other contractors.
Following the temporary closure, Park staff will work on a long-term site restoration plan. Those interested in updates on site restoration can sign up for project updates at eugene-or.gov/5137.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
About Moon Mountain Park
Moon Mountain Park is an undeveloped natural area in Eugene's Ridgeline Park system, located north of Coryell Ridge Park and south of Snowberry Road. Moon Mountain features wildflower-filled upland prairies, oak woodland, and conifer forests. The park also offers views of the confluence of the middle and coast forks of the Willamette River, Mount Pisgah, Coryell Ridge, the Laurel Hill Valley, and Spencer Butte.