The Heritage Forest Demonstration Project is designed to provide visitors a first hand look at possible silvercultural treatment scenarios that will promote the perpetuation of open park-like stands of ponderosa pine within the Metolius Heritage Area.
Friends of the Metolius has undertaken this demonstration project out of concern for the old-growth ponderosa pine forests of the area as well as the overall forest health and fire protection within the Metolius Basin. When completed, visitors to the project area will observe:
- Eight small plots ranging 3 to 10 acres in size for a total of about 50 acres treated
- Highly visible sites along Forest Road 1420 from the Four Corners junction at Camp Sherman Road 1216 & 1419 to Allingham junction Road 1217
- Differing treatments including both commercial & non-commercial thinning, burning and mowing, as well as a “turn of the century forest” plot
- Information about the project that include signs, tours and literature
- Several untreated “before action” areas for comparison
View photos and information of the differing treatments and their effects over the last 5 years by clicking on the plot locations on the map.
Planning for the Heritage Forest Demonstration Project with the Deschutes National Forest is on going, and requires that the following regulations and laws be adhered to:
- National Environmental Policy Act
- Metolius Conservation Area standards and guidelines for the Metolius Heritage Area
- Metolius Wild and Scenic River management standards
Implementation of the project began in the fall season of 2001 through the spring of 2002 and will continue as prescribed treatments are implemented.
