Hazardous Fuel Reduction Archives - Page 2 of 2

What are the goals for replanting in terms of how many trees will be planted and where? Will there be funds in the grant for making sure that Mt. Park staff can continue to help new trees get established? For example, how will Mt. Park manage irrigation for newly planted vegetation?

Initial replanting of native species will be focused on sensitive lands and stream corridors. In many cases, natural regeneration of tree, shrub, and forb species is also observed upon removal on non-native vegetation. We are also working to develop a full Maintenance plan that will inform details such as budget, additional grant funding sources, planting

Will there be considerations for homeowner privacy screens (non-native, mid-story plants) that might fall under the removal guidelines?

Yes. Crews will respect property lines and will not remove vegetation on homeowner properties. In cases where privacy hedges provide screening on MPHOA property, there may be opportunities to retain certain ornamental plants if they pose a lower fuel risks and are pruned appropriately

What is Lake Oswego Forest Resiliency?

The idea of land resilience and community involvement requires a coupling of social and ecological resilience in rapidly changing landscapes affected by our warming climate. Land management is strongest when it adopts multiple perspectives of resilience. Resilient land that is actively managed using a systems based approach can respond to stress events (drought, extreme weather,

Will native trees be planted?

Yes, native trees from the city of Lake Oswego’s native tree list, such as Western Red Cedar, Douglas fir, Willamette Valley Ponderosa Pine, and Oregon White Oak, will be planted following best practices. These plantings will be focused on sensitive lands and in areas that are lacking species diversity.

Will all invasive vegetation be removed?

No. We are focusing on removal of invasive climbing vines, invasive trees, and invasive shrubs because these are the most hazardous fuels, and negatively impact forest structure. Invasive ground covers will generally not be targeted within the scope of this project, but will be addressed strategically in the future in a methodical manner. Crews will

Will all of the vegetation on common property be mowed down?

No - Treatments will be done by hand crews and will be very selective.

Is this work part of a larger plan or initiative?

Yes, the work accomplishes what is called for by existing MPHOA Board of Directors adopted policies ( MP Common Property Master Plan 2019-2024). More details can be found in the sections “Invasive Species on Common Property”, “Urban Forest”, “Habitats”, and “Sensitive Lands”

Will this impact the habitat for wildlife?

Yes, this project will improve wildlife habitat. Removal of invasive plant species is a key component of this work, which will create more space for native vegetation to thrive. Healthy native plant communities support habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Will native vegetation be removed in sensitive lands?

No. Native tree removal will only be done when outside of sensitive lands, and to improve conditions for other healthier native trees.