DSWCD is working to increase forest resiliency from fire, insects, and disease and reduce the wildfire risk to communities. Reducing the chance for uncharacteristic wildfire protects water, and wildlife habitats, and strengthens partnerships with communities. We provide assistance for landowners and leverage established agreements and funding to plan and implement fuel treatment activities across Federal and Private land boundaries.

Southern Deschutes County contains a mosaic of dry forest types and aquatic/riparian systems such as ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine, as well as extensive riparian areas along the three main rivers (Deschutes River, Little Deschutes River, and Fall River). Most of the area is lodgepole pine that is overstocked and prone to insects and disease. These threats are a high risk to catastrophic fire which can threaten municipal infrastructures, impair the Upper Deschutes River water quality due to erosion and overall timber production.

The Deschutes SWCD is working with United States Forest Services (USFS), National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Deschutes County, Walker Range FPA, and local stakeholders and residents in southern Deschutes County addressing threats to our timber resource and local communities.

Forest Health & Wildfire Risk Reduction

The partnerships objectives for Southern Deschutes County are:

  • Increase forest resiliency from fire, insects, and disease and reduce the risk to communities of south Deschutes County/North Klamath County from wildfire.

  • Reduce the chance for uncharacteristic wildfire that would threaten municipal infrastructures and impair the Upper Deschutes River water quality due to erosion.

  • Enhance key elk and deer habitat by reducing the encroachment of lodgepole pine into natural meadows.

  • Strengthen partnerships with communities through established agreements to treat hazardous fuel accumulations in high risk areas and improve water quality and quantity in the upper Deschutes River corridor.

  • Provide educational opportunity for landowners to explore land management activities.

  • Leverage established agreements to plan and implement fuels treatment activities across Federal and Private land boundaries.

Restoring Forests, Reducing Wildfire Risk: DSWCD’s Efforts in Deschutes County

To protect our homes, communities, and landscapes, we’re working with local landowners to thin overgrown areas, reduce fire hazards, and restore forest health. See how these efforts are making a difference in Deschutes County.

Wildfire Resources

Collaborative Conservation Reduces Wildfire Risk

The Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District (DSWCD) successfully collaborated with local agencies and forest landowners to reduce wildfire fuel…

Wildfire Preparedness

Bend and its surrounding communities carry the fourth-highest risk of being affected by wildfire in Oregon, according to a recent report commissioned…

Healthy Forests for Wildlife and Sustainability – Success Story

Read about Bill and Susan Worden’s success story!

Preventing Forest Disease

Oregon’s forests provide a host of benefits to our state, including clean air and water, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation and scenic beauty. But…

  • Deschutes SWCD Offering Technical Assistance

    Protecting Your Home and Community from Wildfire: Tips for Deschutes County Residents

    Published On: September 19th, 2024

    At the Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District (DSWCD),