For decades, SROA has performed ladder fuels reduction treatment on Sunriver’s common areas, as outlined in the Sunriver LFR Plan. This type of forest management helps to reduce the risk of wildfire as well as maintain a healthy forest. 

Agencies such as the Oregon State Fire Marshal, Oregon Department of Forestry, National Fire Protection Agency, and others recommend having 100ft of defensible space around structures in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). Since many private lots in Sunriver are quite small, it takes a combined effort of LFR treatment by owners on private properties, and by SROA on commons, to achieve 100ft of defensible space around every structure. It’s like a patchwork quilt that when put together, creates a community that is far more likely to withstand wildfire. 

SROA treats different sections of commons on a six-year cycle – approximately 150 acres each year. This treatment strategy allows the forest to naturally regenerate at a safe rate for wildfire risk, while still providing forage and habitat for wildlife, maintaining soil health, encouraging species conversion toward Ponderosa pine, and preventing wind corridors. 

Natural Resources staff work with local contractors who perform LFR work on commons. Staff set contractors up for success by locating property pins, flagging the approximate boundaries in the treatment area, identifying and marking trees for removal, and performing periodic inspections throughout the work period.

See this year’s LFR treatment area, below.

LFR on Commons FAQ's