The Land Trust is pleased to report we've made some initial headway with fire recovery at several Land Trust Preserves. Recent updates include:
- Priday Ranch: The Land Trust worked with a consultant to complete the Cram Fire assessment report for Priday Ranch. This report is helping us understand the extent and intensity of the burn so we can prioritize restoration efforts with available funding. We have also begun weed management and seeding of current and former fields along Trout Creek. Previously restored agricultural fields fared well in the fire with just low level burn intensity. We continue to manage weeds and add more native seed to these areas. The fire also gave us a fresh slate for seeding the fields we had yet to restore, so we’re seeding now in the hopes we can give native plants a boost before the weeds start to move in.
- Rimrock Ranch: The Land Trust completed road repairs at Rimrock Ranch in October. Our goal was to stabilize the steep canyon access road ahead of winter weather, so we could direct run-off in a way that protects the road surface from erosion from burned, unstable slopes. We also completed initial weed management efforts in the open meadows at the Preserve. Contractors were on site to provide targeted aerial herbicide application. We focused on open areas where weeds were already challenging, knowing they will be even more aggressive after the fire. In other areas, we’ll soon be adding native seed mix to the soil to bolster the native plant communities.
- Whychus Canyon Preserve: We are working closely with the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) on reforestation plans for Whychus Canyon Preserve, and hope to be part of a collaborative effort among neighbors to plant pine seedlings in targeted areas identified and coordinated by ODF. Replanting will likely happen in 2027, given assessment and seedling growth needs. Please remember: Whychus Canyon Preserve remains closed to the public. Please respect this closure as it is very dangerous at the Preserve, and wildlife need the space to recover.
Learn more:
- Flat Fire Recovery Resources
- Flat Fire Burns Land Trust Preserves
- Cram Fire Impacts Priday Ranch
- Managing Weeds at Land Trust Preserves