When the Mitchell family approached us about their 40-acre forest property in Williams Oregon, they had two main concerns: the dense undergrowth was becoming a fire hazard, and the once-pristine hiking trails were disappearing under thick brush. What started as a standard fuels reduction project evolved into a comprehensive forest health renovation that transformed their property into a fire-resistant recreational paradise.
The Challenge
Like many foothill properties, the Mitchells’ land had suffered from decades of fire suppression. Dense stands of smaller trees competed for resources, while thick undergrowth created dangerous ladder fuels that could quickly turn a small ground fire into a devastating crown fire. Dead and fallen trees littered the forest floor, and invasive species were beginning to take hold in several areas.
The property had incredible potential, though. Mature ponderosa pines and Douglas firs dotted the landscape, and several natural meadows were just waiting to be restored. The family’s goal was simple: make the forest safer while enhancing its natural beauty and recreational value.
Our Approach
We started with a thorough assessment of the property, identifying high-risk areas and creating a staged plan that would minimize disruption to wildlife. Our team focused on three main objectives:
Fire Risk Reduction
- Removed ladder fuels and dense undergrowth
- Created strategic fuel breaks along property boundaries
- Thinned overcrowded tree stands to reduce competition and fire risk
- Cleared dead and fallen timber
Forest Health Enhancement
- Preserved the healthiest and most vigorous trees
- Removed diseased and damaged trees
- Created optimal spacing for tree growth
- Enhanced natural meadows by removing encroaching vegetation
- Controlled invasive species
Aesthetic and Recreational Improvements
- Restored existing hiking trails
- Created new viewpoints and rest areas
- Maintained privacy screening along property lines
- Enhanced natural features like rock outcroppings
The Work
Over six weeks, our crew carefully transformed the property. We used a combination of hand crews for sensitive areas and mechanical thinning where appropriate. Rather than clear-cutting or implementing a one-size-fits-all approach, we treated each section of the forest individually, preserving its unique characteristics while meeting our safety and health objectives.
The Results
The transformation was dramatic but natural-looking. The forest now has a more open, park-like feel while maintaining its wild character. Strategic gaps between tree crowns reduced the risk of crown fires, while cleared understory eliminated most ladder fuels. The remaining trees, now free from excessive competition, are showing improved health and vigor.
The Mitchells can now:
- Walk their entire property on clear, maintained trails
- Enjoy enhanced wildlife viewing (they’ve reported seeing more deer and wild turkeys)
- Rest easier knowing their fire risk has been significantly reduced
- Take pride in a forest that’s both beautiful and resilient
Unexpected Benefits
One surprising outcome was the return of several native wildflower species in areas where we reduced the canopy cover. The Mitchells were delighted to discover patches of lupine and Indian paintbrush blooming in their newly restored meadows the following spring.
Long-term Maintenance
We worked with the Mitchells to develop a sustainable maintenance plan that they could partially handle themselves, with periodic professional assistance. This included guidelines for:
- Annual understory maintenance
- Trail upkeep
- Identifying potential tree health issues
- Managing new growth
The Mitchell project exemplifies how thoughtful forest management can balance multiple objectives – fire safety, forest health, wildlife habitat, and human enjoyment. Three years later, their forest continues to thrive, serving as a model for other property owners in the region.
Want to see how we can transform your forest?
Contact us for a free consultation and property assessment.
