Earlier this year, the City of Ashland commissioned an aerial survey of nearly 800 acres of community-owned forests to assess visible swaths of trees that are dead and dying. The proximity of die-off to homes and being situated at the base of our municipal watershed is a major concern. Formulating a plan to head off developing fire danger addresses the community's top priority in polling this spring: wildfire safety. By acting now, we can reduce future costs and help our forests transition to species more adapted to climate change that is already having a visible impact. 

A project called Ashland Forestlands Climate Change Adaptation: Phase 1 is being drafted and we want your input. Please join City staff and members of the Ashland Forestlands Committee on a tour, or come to learn more at a public meeting and open house on the following days: 

October 22, 1-4 p.m.: Public Walking Tour
October 24, 2-5 p.m.: Public Walking Tour

Tours will start at the parking area just above the Granite Street swim reservoir. Go to the southern end of Granite Street, pass the swim reservoir and Glenview Drive junction, and park on the left before you cross Ashland Creek. We'll walk mostly on the road and the tour will go rain or shine (but probably shortened if it's raining). 

We'll be joined by forest entomologist Dr. Bill Schaupp, who has been researching local tree die-off and insects causing it for over 10 years. 

October 25, 7 to 8:30 p.m, Public Meeting and Open House at Fire Station #2 at 1860 Ashland Street.  

For more information see the Ashland Forest Plan and the 2023 Climate Change Addendum at ashland.or.us/forestplan.