Since the devastating Almeda Fire in 2020, the Parks, Recreation and Facilities department has significantly increased its wildfire fuel mitigation efforts, focusing on reducing fire risks across City parks and open spaces.
While overall efforts began in 2018, substantial funding after the fire helped expand the work, which became a top priority after the tragedy hit. To date, an estimated 200 acres of parks and open spaces have been treated, including some repeat areas.
The project’s overall goal is to reduce fire fuel loads through strategic vegetation thinning and removal. The City utilizes both in-house and contracted labor, as well as a nonprofit, the Oregon Stewardship, to remove brush and fire fuel load with both hand tools and heavy equipment.
Among the areas that have already been treated are sections of Larson Creek, Lazy Creek, Lone Pine Creek, Bear Creek Greenway, and several other parks and open spaces throughout the City.
Costs average between $150,000 to $200,000 per year, with funding coming from grants received by the City’s emergency manager, the City’s General Fund, Park Utility Fund, and Council Community Initiative Funds, which is comprised of marijuana tax revenue the City receives from local and state taxes.
Most parks and open spaces have now been treated at least once, but the work is ongoing. The department’s focus will continue on maintaining and expanding these efforts to ensure the City remains prepared.
More information on emergency preparedness will be provided at the first 2025 Council Town Hall on Wednesday, April 30, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Medford Police Headquarters. The second town hall will be held Thursday, May 15, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Smullin Health Education Center.