Parking closures expected as Shevlin Park begins 62-acre pile burning project

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 62-acre pile burning project will begin in the northern area of Shevlin Park on Monday, Jan. 5. The parking area along Shevlin Park Road will be closed throughout operations, which are expected to last five days. All other areas of Shevlin Park will remain open during the forest health project.

Started in 2022, the BPRD Natural Resources team treated the forested slope east of Tumalo Creek for hazardous fuels reduction and forest health. Piles of slash material were created for burning as part of that effort.

Signage is in place closing the parking area along Shevlin Park Road east of Aspen Hall for operations and equipment staging. Parking will remain closed after active operations for monitoring and mop-up work.

“Prescribed fire, such as pile burning, is a critical tool for fuel reduction as it directly addresses the region’s fire-adapted ecosystems, climate, and wildfire risk near our communities. Burning material in controlled operations now decreases combustible fuels available during wildfire season, reduces rates of spread and the likelihood of crown fires—all while improving soil and watershed health,” said Zara Hickman, Natural Resources and Trails Manager for BPRD.

During the active burning period, nearby residents and park visitors will see and smell smoke. People are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed during and immediately after the burn to reduce smoke impacts.

Most smoke should clear within a day or two; however, some smoldering may continue for several days.

Contractors and district staff will monitor the area for several days following the burn. For visitor safety, district staff strongly encourage adherence to trail closures in and around burn operations, as hotspots may persist.

More information on BPRD fire management is available here.