Deschutes County starts SW Bend fuels reduction project

Deschutes County this week is starting a fuels reduction project in an area of southwest Bend that is popular among walkers, runners and hikers. The project is expected to be completed in the spring, officials said Tuesday.

Operators will be thinning trees and mowing brush as they remove hazardous fuels from the area.

“This work will help reduce the negative impacts of potential wildfire in the area,” officials said.

The 70-acre project site, located between Brookswood Boulevard and the Deschutes River, is owned by the Central Oregon Irrigation District (COID) and accessed by multiple Bend Parks and Recreation District trails.

The project site was identified as a priority area after a 2013 fire threatened nearby homes in River Canyon Estates. An initial project following that fire treated the perimeter of the COID property. This project expands upon that work.

Popular access points to the property include:

· The Deschutes River trail near Farewell Bend Park

· A trail access point near Blakely Park and Brookswood Boulevard

· River Canyon Park in the River Canyon Estates subdivision

While work is underway, multiple signs will be placed along trails where crews are working. The public should avoid these areas and respect all signage for their safety, officials said.

“Operators will be working with heavy equipment,” said Deschutes County Forester Ed Keith. “For safety reasons, we urge the public to avoid this area while work is underway.”