At Hopkins-Young Special Management Area, the Land Trust is working with the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the National Forest to thin the area’s forests. While the Land Trust has a land preservation agreement to protect the Hopkins-Young Special Management Area, ODF manages these parcels of lands that are within the boundaries of the Gilchrist State Forest.

Throughout April, work will be done to prepare the area for a prescribed burn. Activities include cutting small-diameter trees and removing high concentrations of shrubs. Both of these efforts will help make it safer to do a prescribed burn next year.

Forest restoration efforts like these help mimic historic conditions and improve the health of our forests. It also benefits native grasses and wildflowers, provides improved habitat for wildlife, and helps reduce wildfire danger.

Learn more about Land Trust forest restoration efforts:

• Pile Burning 101
• Whychus Canyon Preserve Forest Restoration
• Metolius Preserve Forest Restoration
• Aspen Hollow Preserve Forest Restoration