Bend Park and Recreation District implements new wildfire risk reduction projects
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Bend Park and Recreation District staff presented information on recently completed and future forest health and fuels reduction projects at a board of directors meeting on May 5, 2026. The presentation addressed growing community interest in wildfire risk and protecting natural and residential areas.
BPRD manages more than 3,000 acres and is committed to promoting forest health and resilience while reducing wildfire risk within its properties.
The district employs a two-part strategy for its forest health and fuels reduction program. This approach includes enhancing Bend Fire & Rescue priorities into new project prescriptions, incorporating Extended Zone space efforts where neighborhoods meet natural areas.
Zara Hickman, BPRD's Natural Resources and Trails Manager, explained the historical context of Central Oregon's forests. "Historically, Central Oregon's dry forests adapted to frequent, low intensity fires that maintained open forest structure and reduced fuel accumulation," Hickman said. "Decades of fire suppression, logging operations and current environmental factors have increased forest density and surface fuels, elevating the risk of severe wildfire in and around Bend."
BPRD's responsibilities as a land manager differ from those of individual homeowners, prioritizing broader forest health strategies. For new fuels projects within city limits, the district focuses on the 20-foot boundary where its property meets private property.
This focus enhances mitigations in the Extended Zone, also known as Zone 3, which extends 30 to 100 feet from residential structures. The goal is to reduce ladder fuel to slow the spread or risk of embers. Hickman clarified the distinction between district and homeowner responsibilities. "It is encouraging to see homeowners aware of Firewise requirements and doing their part to increase wildfire resistance," Hickman said. "It is important for community members to know that our natural areas are managed for resilience and are not subject to Firewise, which focuses on structural hardening defense. These two treatments complement one another at a high level for the community, supporting stronger neighborhoods."
During the current budget year, Natural Resources staff completed nine projects, improving 39 acres through fuels reduction. Additionally, three contracted fuels reduction projects totaling an additional 90 acres are currently in process.
These current projects include pile burning at North Shevlin and mowing at Alpine Park and Shevlin Park adjacent to Tree Farm.
BPRD is increasing its investment in forest health management. The Natural Resources vegetation management budget has steadily increased over the past five years. The proposed fiscal year 2026–2027 budget represents a 60% increase from the current year. This higher budget is attributed to an increase in contracted fuels reduction acreage and the rising cost of this work.
For the next budget year, from July 2026 to June 2027, the district has three contracted projects planned, totaling 140 acres. These projects include Archie Briggs Canyon Natural Area phase 1, Eastgate and Rose Property. Treatments will involve cutting and piling trees to remove understory and brush.
BPRD is a co-sponsor of the Wildfire Preparedness Fair, a free community event to share information and answer questions. The fair is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at Central Oregon Community College. Bend Fire, Deschutes County and other partners are also sponsoring the event.
Piles from the planned projects at Archie Briggs Canyon Natural Area phase 1, Eastgate and Rose Property will be left to cure and burned in one to two years. The Archie Briggs Canyon Natural Area phase two project is scheduled for burning in fall/winter 2027.
