<p> : Katie Isacksen (541)782-5355</p><p>Date: March 7, 2017 Thinning/Fuels Reduction Update The helicopter work is again underway after a break in February. It is helping implement part of the Oakridge/Westfir Thinning and Fuels Reduction project aimed at increasing the ability of fire fighters to successfully suppress wildfires that could threaten the town and homes outside city limits, such as High Prairie and McFarland Road. Estimated Timeline:  For Unit 17, which borders East 3rd Street and Salmon Creek Road, work is estimated to be finished in two weeks. This unit has a time restriction of weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  In the beginning of April, a helicopter will return to units further away from town, landing logs on private land off Brock Road. These units have no time restrictions. This work is expected to take approximately five days. “We understand the noise is disruptive to people’s day-to-day life,” said Duane Bishop, Middle Fork District Ranger. “Please realize that the noise impacts are relatively short-term, given that the positive effects will last for decades.” By thinning out trees and increasing the spacing between them, it means that any wildfire that occurs in the area is unlikely to become a crown fire (one moves through the tops of the trees). Crown fires are extremely difficult and dangerous for fire fighters to suppress. “The area we are working in was once called Green Mountain, but after three severe fires, it became known as Dead Mountain. The risk of wildfire in this area was the basis for this project,” continued Bishop. “Our partners from the Hazeldell Fire Department, Oakridge Fire Department, City of Westfir, City of Oakridge and Oregon Department of Forestry all helped design this project, along with hundreds of local residents. We are happy to finally begin implementation.” Another step of this project, which will begin this spring, is some prescribed burning near Westfir. Interested residents can drive Aufderheide Road six miles from Westfir (near road 1912) to see a similar stand that was thinned and underburned as part of the Oakridge/Westfir Fuels Reduction Project a few years ago. For more information on the project, contact the Middle Fork Ranger District at 541.782.2283. **** The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to State and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.</p><p>USDA Forest Service is an equal opportunity provider and employer.</p>