Clackamas County Oregon) Community members in Clackamas County and the North Clackamas Park and Recreation District are invited to learn about efforts park managers are making to identify and reduce the risk of wildfire in parks and natural areas. These sites cover hundreds of acres across the County, with some located within the communities of Happy Valley, Milwaukie, and Oak Grove. These parks include conifer forests, oak woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands. Fire has played a natural and historic role in maintaining these ecosystems. But wildfire can become a threat to neighborhoods and properties near parks during the dry season, usually from July through October.

"We invite people from across the community—residents, businesses, youth, environmental and community groups—to learn about efforts being made to reduce fire risk in parks, and to restore park ecosystems," said Tonia Burns, Natural Resources Coordinator for the North Clackamas Park and Recreation District.

The public will be able to review draft project plans to reduce fire risk and have the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments. Work done to date has included a ranking of fire risk, and development of field projects designed to reduce fuels and improve habitat. Further planning and field projects will continue through September 2012. Funding for this work has been provided by a federal grant.

The open house is open to the public and will be held on Tuesday, February 7th from 6-8pm at the New Hope Church (Rooms 151 and 152) 11721 SE Stevens Rd., Portland (near Sunnyside Rd. and I-205). Please use the entrance off of the west parking lot.

Visit the project website at www.clackamasparkswildfire.org to learn more about the project and find out about upcoming opportunities to participate. The website also features resources on ways that you can reduce wildfire risk around your own home or property. For more information, contact Tonia Burns at 503-742-4357.

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