Old Mill holiday tree from Metolius Preserve

The Old Mill District will be cutting down its holiday tree Monday for placement in the shopping district’s center plaza for the season. The large fir tree was selected earlier this month from the Metolius Preserve in partnership with the Deschutes Land Trust, which manages resources in the preserved area.

The goal is to restoreold-growth ponderosa pineforest conditionsby removing competing fir trees and other forest management activities.

Zak Boone, associate director for the Deschutes Land Trust said, “Partnering with businesses like the Old Mill District to bring attention to programs like this is important so that we can meet our goals for forest stewardship.”

In 2004, the Land Trust hired Pacific Stewardship to conduct a thorough inventory of forest resources at the Metolius Preserve, which encompasses about 1,200 acres near Camp Sherman in Central Oregon. This inventorythen provided a basis–and a prescription–forfuture stewardship of the property. ‘

Since then, some of the work that has been done includes removing competing smallfir trees to benefit the remaining Ponderosa and larch, reducing fire hazards and maintaining important forest connectivity.

About the Deschutes Land Trust
The Deschutes Land Trust conserves land for wildlife, scenic views, and local communities. As Central Oregon’s only nationally accredited and locally-based land trust, the Deschutes Land Trust has protected more than 8,200 acres since 1995. For more information on Deschutes Land Trust, contact us at (541) 330-0017 or visit www.deschuteslandtrust.org .

About the Old Mill District
One of the Pacific Northwest’s most distinctive and dynamic mixed-use developments, the Old Mill District is located on 270 acres that formerly housed one of the largest sawmill operations in the world. The rich history of the land is coupled with spectacular mountain views, scenic river vistas and an extensive trail system to enjoy the outdoors.More than 55 local, regional and national retail outlets and businesses call the Old Mill District home, as does the park-like Les Schwab Amphitheater which can accommodate up to 8,000 patrons for concerts and other events. The Old Mill District – Bend’s most unique shopping, dining, living, and entertainment experience.