Controlled Burn at Agate Desert Preserve Benefits Native Grassland Species and Reduces Fire Risk
SOLC celebrated the Summer Solstice this year by collaborating with the City of Medford, Medford Water Commission, and Grayback Forestry to implement a prescribed fire at the Agate Desert Preserve to control non-native, invasive Medusahead grass. This burn continues the long term restoration effort initiated by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) at the Agate Desert Preserve more than 30 years ago. The June 2023 burn is the 7th conducted since 1989 as part of a comprehensive restoration plan to benefit native prairie habitat.
Ecological burns like this one have proven successful in restoring and maintaining the native vernal pool-mounded prairie habitat at this unique location. The 54-acre Agate Desert Preserve is located at the corner of Table Rock Road and West Antelope Road in White City. Another 50-acres of adjacent City of Medford lands to the north and northwest of the Preserve were also treated with prescribed fire.
In addition to improving habitat, the controlled burn improves public safety by removing dried vegetation that poses a risk for unplanned wildfire ignition.
The burn conditions met Oregon air quality standards for ventilation. Smoke from the dry grass was lifted well above neighbors and dispersed from the valley in about 90 minutes.
The Agate Desert Preserve contains some of the highest quality mounded prairie and vernal pool habitat left in the Rogue Valley. The Preserve is home to the vernal pool fairy shrimp and two endangered flowering plant species, Cook’s lomatium, and large- flowered woolly meadowfoam.
Both grazing and prescribed fire can be effective in reducing medusahead thatch. Though most fires in SW Oregon historically burned during the summer and fall months, a June burn followed by fall native plant seeding has been shown to be more effective than fall burning for reducing medusahead density and increasing native plant abundance.
Many thanks to Grayback Forestry for implementing this burn safely and effectively during the early fire season of 2023!
