Heart of Oregon Corps youth crews remove wildfire fuels

A local project is improving wildfire resiliency while also preparing young people to enter the workforce through service to the community. Through the end of March, Heart of Oregon Corps youth crews are reducing hazardous fuel loads and increasing wildfire protection for the users of Shevlin Park, residents of Shevlin Commons and the surrounding Bend community.

“It’s great to have an organization like HOC help with fuel reduction in an area so close to downtown Bend,” said Jeff Amaral, natural resources manager at the Bend Park and Recreation District. “Nearly 28t years ago, the Awbrey Hall fire swept through the current project area, becoming one of the most destructive wildfires in Central Oregon’s history. We now know more about how to manage vegetation around homes in the wildland urban interface.”

Every year, Heart of Oregon’s AmeriCorps program engages over 60 members that perform fire fuels reduction projects throughout Central Oregon. Founded in 2000, Heart of Oregon Corps trains tomorrow’s workforce today. Through their hard work, local young adults earn their way to success.

“It’s great to perform national service on public lands right in Bend,” said HOC AmeriCorps member Kenny Fluty, who has served in various roles with Heart of Oregon since 2014. “Residents have been really receptive to our presence here in Shevlin Park, and I love working to help keep their homes safe from wildfire.”