Reducing Fire Risk in Jackson County

Ashland Forest Restoration

Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire.
In Jackson County, Oregon, they’ve taken this lesson to heart. Located just north of the California border, Jackson County experiences one of the highest occurrences of wildfire in Oregon. Lottery dollars are helping renew the forest and reduce fire risk near Ashland.

Wildfire Risk

fireman tending to controlling fire

A Problem of Density

Jackson County’s cities are especially vulnerable to wildfire because they are often surrounded by densely forested areas. The same natural beauty that contributes to the livability of the region also means its most populated areas lie right next to material that can fuel devastating wildfires. This is especially true for the city of Ashland, whose municipal watershed lies within the adjacent forest.

Fighting Fire with Fire

Open and Healthy Forests

In total, 8,500 acres of public and private land will be treated in the forests adjacent to Ashland. Trees will be thinned and flammable debris removed, sometimes with controlled burns. These steps keep the forest open and healthy, and the reduced fire risk will help preserve the forest itself, its human and animal inhabitants, as well as the city of Ashland’s drinking water.

The Ashland All Lands Forest Resiliency Project is a coalition of partners working to reduce wildfire risk, improve wildlife habitat and ensure clean drinking water for local residents. Oregon Lottery dollars are helping the coalition realize their vision.

LOTTERY DOLLARS DOING GOOD THINGS IN YOUR COMMUNITY