Prescribed burns planned near Sisters, on Ochoco Natl. Forest

Fuels specialists plan to ignite several prescribed burn units in the Sisters Ranger District and on the west side of Ochoco National Forest in coming days.

Ignitions are dependent upon appropriate weather conditions and permission from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

Up to 110 acres could be burned three miles west of Sisters and mile northwest of Forest Road 1012 (Cold Springs Cutoff) on Friday. The “SAFR” unit is also approximately a mile north of Black Butte Ranch.

About 64 acres across three units could be burned in the Metolius Research Natural Area east of and adjacent to Forest Road 14, two miles north of Camp Sherman beginning as early as Monday if weather conditions remain favorable.

Both of these prescribed fires share similar objectives which include modifying fuel arrangements in historically fire-adapted ecosystems, improving wildlife habitat, and minimizing the potential of future high intensity wildfires.

The prescribed fire north of Black Butte Ranch tentatively planned for Monday is within the congressionally designated Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration boundary, which receives funding towards accelerated forest restoration.

Specific project goals include reducing hazardous fuels and creating defensible space within the wildland urban interface. The communities of Tollgate and Crossroads as well as Black Butte Ranch could be impacted by smoke as a result this project.

Due to the location of these units, the public could see smoke and drivers may experience smoke impacts on nearby highways and forest roads. For all prescribed fires, signs will be posted on significant nearby Forest roads and state highways that could be impacted. No road closures are anticipated with these projects.

During the ignitions on the west side of the Ochoco National Forest, which could happen as early as next week light smoke will be visible from Wildcat Campground and Mill Creek valley, and along portions of Highway 26 near Mark’s Creek.

The Squirrel Ridge burn unit consists of 300 acres located along Forest Road 33 near Wildcat Campground.

Objectives include improving forage for cattle and big game by removing clumps of grand fir seedlings and promoting understory grasses, and reducing the risk of severe wildfire by reducing ladder fuels and promoting fire-tolerant species.

The Spears burn unit consists of 180 acres at Spears Meadow near mile marker 44 on Highway 26. Flaggers will be in place on the highway and drivers may experience short delays during ignition operations.

Another 35 acres is planned at Claypool Springs along Forest Road 2610, about two miles from Spears Meadow.

Objectives include removal of seedlings that have encroached on meadows and promoting understory grasses to benefit wildlife.

Once begun, ignitions for each burn could last up to three days. Land managers thank local communities and visiting hunters for their patience in support of these resource goals.

Deschutes National Forest fuels specialists will follow policies outlined in the Oregon Department of Forestry smoke management plan, which governs prescribed fires, and attempts to minimize impacts to visibility and public health. For more information, visit the Ochoco/Deschutes website at www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes and follow the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center on Twitter @CentralORFire.