Bend Parks plans prescribed burn in NW Bend

The Bend Park & Recreation District is planning a prescribed field burn in coming weeks at the Riley Ranch Nature Reserve in northwest Bend.

The burn will occur after the burning ban is lifted and prescribed burning conditions are met. It is anticipated that the burn will be in early October but it could be later depending upon weather and other conditions.

The burn will take place on a 25-30 acre field located in the southwest portion of the property, southwest of Glen Vista Rd. and north of the Deschutes River and Awbrey Butte.

The district is conducting the burn to eliminate undesirable plants including noxious weeds. The prescribed burn will help prepare for restoration of native grasses and forbs at the reserve.

The burn is expected to take two days and will be conducted by a local wildland firefighting and prescribed burning contractor with assistance from the Bend Fire Department. It is likely the burn will be visible from many areas of Bend.

For additional information on the prescribed burn or Riley Ranch Nature Reserve, contact Sasha Sulia, Natural Resources Manager, p. 541-706-6203.