Heart of Oregon Corps Young Adults to Gain Work Experience
It may be the winter, but that doesn’t mean wildfires aren’t on the minds of Bend Park and Recreation District staff as two fire fuel reduction projects are planned for this month.
“Now is a great time to be proactive with wildfire prevention,” stated Sasha Sulia, natural resources manager at Bend Park and Recreation District.
“With over 2,600 acres of parks and open spaces, it’s important we prepare ahead of fire season and properly manage the District’s properties to reduce the risk of wildfires and increase wildfire protection to the adjacent land and homeowners. With low temperatures and high moisture content, winter is a perfect season for fire fuel reduction.”
The first fire fuel reduction project is scheduled for the Rim Rock Natural Area along Skyline Road between 17th St. and Mt. Washington Dr. in northwest Bend. Covering 15 acres, the project includes small tree removal (mostly western juniper) and bitterbrush.
Heart of Oregon Corps, a non-profit organization providing job skills, education and stewardship for local young people, was awarded the project through competitive bid process. Supervised crews of local young adults will perform the work, remove material from the site and ensure a safe work area during the project.
“Local partnerships along with our commitment to serving young adults in our community through a “work, earn and learn” model have helped us build a strong working relationship with the District,” said Allan Capp, program director for Heart of Oregon Corps. “This project serves the needs of park and trail management, the neighborhood and the future of the local young adults in our program. Everybody benefits.”
The second project is at the Shevlin Conservation Easement – 43 acres between Shevlin Park and the Shevlin Commons neighborhood in northwest Bend. Contracted with Cascade Brush Removal, the work includes mostly shrub mowing as well as some small tree removal.
Sasha Sulia, Natural Resources Manager 541-706-6203, 541-389-7275
Heart of Oregon Corps programs that serve 16-24 year old young people across Central Oregon, call 541- 633-7834. Young people can apply online at www.heartoforegon.org
