Controlled Burn at Rogue River Preserve to Reduce Fire Risk and Benefit Native Grassland Species – POSTPONED until Fall 2024 or Spring 2025

Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (SOLC) in consultation with expert fire managers from Grayback Forestry, Inc. and Oregon Department of Forestry have made the decision to call off the 35-acre prescribed fire planned to reduce fire risk and benefit native grassland species at the Rogue River Preserve, 646 Rogue River Dr., Eagle Point, OR.

The controlled burn was expected to take place between June 26 – July 2 with secured burn permits from state fire and smoke management agencies depending on weather, moisture levels, and wind conditions.

Grayback Forestry, Inc., planned to conduct the burn with their professional, experienced crew with resources on hand that would have far exceeded standards required for acceptable burn conditions and following National Wildfire Coordinating Group guidelines.

The fire was postponed for the season due to an increase in fire risk combined with resources being deployed to deal with early season regional wildfires in other locations.

Ecological burns like this one have proven successful in restoring and maintaining native vernal-pool mounded prairie grasslands. Controlled burns during safe weather conditions with experienced fire crews improve public safety by removing dried vegetation that poses a risk for unplanned wildfire ignition later in the summer.

In contrast to wildfires, controlled burns can be run during conditions which allow fire practitioners to meet Oregon air quality standards for ventilation, minimizing smoke impacts to neighbors and the Rogue Valley community and reducing future wildfire risk.

SOLC and Grayback Forestry plan to reschedule the controlled burn when weather conditions are safe, resources are available, and permits have been secured, likely in fall 2024 or spring/ early summer 2025.

Southern Oregon Land Conservancy Grayback Forestry, Inc

541.482.3069 541.830.3100
info@landconserve.org