Wildfire Information
Coronavirus Information
- Deschutes County COVID-19 Information
- Central Oregon Emergency Information Network
- Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Updates
SRWC COVID-19 Nonprofit Emergency Fund
The Sunriver Women’s Club is initiating a new COVID-19 Nonprofit Emergency Fund for nonprofit agencies serving South Deschutes County. This fund sponsored by SRWC will help nonprofits continue serving Southern Deschutes County residents during this difficult time, ensuring they have the resources to provide basic necessities to our community. Click here to donate.
Forests of Eastern Oregon Webinar Series
Free webinar series Forests of Eastern Oregon from OSU Extension Service. Key features of our Eastern Oregon forest types, how site conditions and location impact forest plant communities, how to identify prominent tree species, and details on about what conditions help them thrive.
The webinars will be held on selected Thursday evenings (6:00 to 7:15 p.m.) starting July 30, 2020, and running through December 3. To register click here.
New Oregon State University Extension Central Oregon Forester
Thomas Stokely is the new Extension Forester in central Oregon, replacing Nicole Strong and serving Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. His background is in forest and wildlife ecology, with graduate degrees from the OSU College of Forestry. Click here to contact Thomas.
Funds needed to continue UDRC Defensible Space Reimbursement Program
Since the inception of the $500 Defensible Space Reimbursement Program, the Upper Deschutes River Communities (UDRC) has helped homeowners in Three Rivers South become Firewise property owners. In 2019 we reimbursed 21 owners totaling $11,500 in 23 communities.
The UDRC is operated entirely by community volunteers and receives all funding from grants and community donations. Currently we have dedicated funding for the Low-income Senior/Disabled program, but the $500 reimbursement program is fully allocated. We need additional reserves and we are asking all communities in Three Rivers South for a contribution.
These programs positively benefit all property owners, increases property values and is an important resource for communities to continue to support for their residents/owners. Click here for a summary of UDRC programs and operations.
Hazardous fuels treatments show benefits
The Rosland Road Fire has provided a strong example of how fuels treatments like thinning, mowing and prescribed fires help reduce the intensity of a wildfire. Click here for more information.
Firewise Workshops – A Community Approach
We have recently completed a 3 part workshop covering Firewise Basics, Outreach Strategies and Community Project Planning. These workshops were held online with guest speakers including subject matter experts from our local communities and agencies throughout Deschutes County. The purpose of these workshops were to make connections across Firewise sites, share ideas and lessons learned. As an outcome of these workshops a network of support and resources were created to help Firewise sites succeed in their efforts. Click here to view the workshop videos and resources.
UDRC 2018 Community Wildfire Protection Plan: Progress Report
The board members of the Upper Deschutes River Communities have prepared a detailed report about the accomplishments of our partners over the past two years in support of the UDRC 2018 Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Click here to view the report.
Wildfire Risk to Communities Website
Wildfire Risk to Communities is a easy-to-use website with interactive maps, charts, and resources to help communities understand, explore, and reduce wildfire risk. It was created by the USDA Forest Service under the direction of Congress and is designed to help community leaders, such as elected officials, community planners, and fire managers. This is the first time wildfire risk to communities has been mapped nationwide.
Oregon Wildfire Risk Explorer Report
The Oregon Wildfire Risk Explorer Report summarizes wildfire risk in UDRC CWPP Area. Wildfire risk combines the likelihood of a fire occurring with the exposure and susceptibility of valued resources and assets on the landscape.
How to Prepare for Wildfire in Upper Deschutes River Communities
Project Wildfire has published a brochure on wildfire risk, defensible space, evacuation, and resources for Upper Deschutes River Communities. Click on How to Prepare for Wildfire to view the brochure.
If your home has been assessed by the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District, you can see your wildfire risk assessment by going to Oregon Ready, Set, Go! and clicking on “My Risk: Go to the Map”. The Deschutes County Evacuation Guide outlines the levels to prepare for wildfire evacuation. The Central Oregon Fire Information website has current wildfire information from all public agencies.
Low-income Senior or Disabled Defensible Space Program
UDRC has partnered with Council on Aging to provide free wildfire fuels reduction services for low-income senior or disabled homeowners in South Deschutes County. Click on printable flyer describing the program. To apply for the Senior Low-income Defensible Space program, click on application form which includes age and income requirements.
Defensible Space Reimbursement Program
As of June 4, 2020, funds for the Defensible Space Reimbursement Program have been fully allocated for 2020. We cannot accept applications at this time.
The UDRC will help landowners in the UDRC area neighborhoods with the cost of creating or maintaining defensible space for wildfire risk reduction. The UDRC will reimburse your expenses for licensed fuels reduction contractors or rental equipment up to $500 maximum per landowner. Because funds are limited, this program is restricted to communities between Spring River Road and La Pine State Recreation Road and the Spring River, Haner Park, and Wild River communities.