The City of Ashland will conduct an underburn on City-managed forestlands on Tuesday, May 1st. The burn will reduce wildfire danger in a strategic location for summer wildfire suppression and reintroduce low-intensity fire into an ecosystem where fire’s beneficial role has been long absent.
The burn will take place about ¼ mile south of the swimming reservoir located at Granite St. and Glenview Dr. The popular BTI trail runs through the middle of the burn area, as does the newly installed Bandersnatch Trail. All trails in the immediate area, including Alice in Wonderland, BTO, and Jabberwocky will be closed for public safety for up to 3 days including the day of the burn. Access on the 2060 road to White Rabbit Trailhead will be open. Citizens sensitive to smoke should avoid the area on the day of the burn.
More than half the burn’s cost is funded by a grant from The Nature Conservancy and the USDA Forest Service called Promoting Ecosystem Resilience through Collaboration (PERC).
Since 1994, the City has incrementally planned and executed forestry practices aimed at reducing wildfire danger near homes and the watershed, protecting water quality in Ashland Creek, and providing for plant and animal habitat. Management of City forestland has been guided by citizens on the City’s Forest Lands Commission and the City Council. This burn connects to a strategic network of fire management zones in and around the watershed on City, Forest Service, and private land completed and maintained over the last 20 years.
Smoke will be visible from town. Signs will be up in town and information posted on the Smoke and Wildfire Hotline (552-2490), 1700AM emergency radio, and the City’s website. For more information call Ashland Fire & Rescue at 482-2770.
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