Forest restoration work continues west of Bend
Beginning next Monday, the Deschutes National Forest is planning two restoration projects west of Bend in the “Good Dog” and Tumalo Ridge areas.
If conditions remain favorable, work will begin on a mowing project in the “Good Dog” area bordering the western edge of Bend and adjacent to Widgi Creek golf course. The 539-acre mowing project will likely begin on Monday and is expected to take 1-2 weeks to complete.
Work will only be done on week days so weekend users will not be impacted by equipment operation. While no trail closures are anticipated with this project, recreationists on the Deschutes River Trail are advised to use caution when walking or biking near the mowing machinery.
In mid-April, fuels specialists will begin a mastication project that will take place 9 miles west of Bend near Tumalo Lake and the Swede Ridge shelter.
This 274-acre project is expected to take 6-8 weeks to complete and while there are no trail or road closures anticipated with this project, the Swede Ridge and Tumalo Ridge trail users may experience short delays when the equipment is operating near the trail.
Mowing – Frequently used prior to underburning, mowing reduces the height of flammable understory fuels such as grass and brush. The objective of mowing near the “Good Dog” parking area is to decrease potential flame lengths and fire intensities should a wildfire move through the area. Mowers typically take the brush down to 8 inches in height.
Mastication – This restoration process is designed to decrease the potential impacts of a wildfire to private property and recreational areas by removing brush and small trees. No future underburning is planned in Tumalo Ridge treatment area.
