Here at FPC, we have been hard at work on the Forest Park Wildfire Risk Reduction Project, conducting community outreach and fire risk mitigation work with our partners, Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) and Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R).
Wildfire is a real risk in our region as dry summers provide conditions perfect for a devastating wildfire. And while fire season has come to a close, that does not mean we should put off the issue until next year. There are many things that communities and individuals can do in the meantime to help mitigate their risks. To that end, FPC and our project partners have been working to help educate local community members on ways they can help mitigate this risk. By taking the time now to address fire risks, we can be better prepared as a community for next year’s wildfire season.
Last month, FPC staff conducted door-to-door outreach for the Forest Park Wildfire Risk Reduction Project with 120 households in the Linnton neighborhood. We prioritized properties adjacent to the sections of Forest Park where PP&R crews are implementing wildfire risk reduction practices consistent with the project goals.
While conducting this outreach, FPC staff connected with residents and shared information on the project and free wildfire risk reduction resources, such as FPC’s Canopy Weed Program and PF&R’s Wildland-Urban Interface Home Assessment. By sharing these resources, we hope to better empower and inform people on how they can protect themselves and their communities by reducing their wildfire risk.
On September 7th, Alejandro Orizola, FPC’s Conservation Director, made a presentation at the Linnton Neighborhood Association Meeting, along with PP&R Natural Resource Ecologist, Marshall Johnson and PF&R’s Senior Public Education Officer, Kim Kosmas.
During this meeting, these individuals shared about our progress on the Forest Park Wildfire Risk Reduction Project; available resources, such as those listed earlier in the article; and upcoming activities inside Forest Park associated with this project. The local Firewise Community facilitated this presentation and subsequent Q&A. A total of 22 neighbors attended the meeting.
On September 16th, FPC staff led a volunteer work party for the Forest Heights Association. This event was focused on trail ivy removal for wildfire prevention. Attendees learned the difference between native and invasive species, how controlling invasives can support forest and community wildfire resilience, and the resources available to help mitigate their wildfire risk. PF&R staff and members from the Forest Park Firewise Community also attended the event, supporting the ivy pull while sharing additional critical wildfire prevention information and resources.
FPC has been working closely with neighbors, PP&R, and West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District to identify private properties adjacent to Forest Park that are priority sites for wildfire mitigation work. With landowner permission, comprehensive invasive species removal work will be conducted on select properties to support the goals of the Forest Park Wildfire Risk Reduction Project. These activities will be similar to work done by PP&R in the service area of this program. Contractors are scheduled to complete work on the first two properties before the end of the year.
Want to learn more about the Forest Park Wildfire Risk Mitigation Project and how you can get involved? Visit forestparkconservancy.org/fire today.