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i <br /> ~ ~ ® ~ ~ <br /> September 1 , 2003 <br /> I <br /> CONTACT: Trevor Taylor, Public Works Parks and Open Space Division, 682-4880 <br /> Glen Potter, Eugene Fire Department, 682-7118 <br /> From Public nformation Section, 682-5523 or 954-2938 <br /> ~ FOR IMMED ATE RELEASE <br /> I <br /> Co trolled Burn Will Clear Out Brush in Wiiamut Natural Area on Monday <br /> B(ac berries and other non-native vegetation on an eight-acre portion of Alton Baker <br /> Park will be emoved through a controlled burn on Monday, September 22. <br /> Unle s the weather is too wet or too hot and windy, the burn is scheduled to begin at <br /> approximate y 1 p.m. in the Whilamut Natural Area, located west of I-5 on the north bank of the <br /> Willamette fiver. During the controlled burn, North Walnut from Day Island Road to I-5 will be <br /> closed, but II other bicycle and pedestrian paths in that portion of the park are scheduled to be <br /> open. For p blic safety reasons, access to the burn area will be restricted. However, the <br /> prescribed fi e, unlike a wild fire, is quite safe and will be completely controlled and contained by <br /> the Eugene ire Department. <br /> <br /> ~ The ire Department is partnering with the Parks and Open Space Division of Eugene <br /> Public Work to perform the controlled burn, which will serve two purposes. The Fire <br /> Department ill use it as a training opportunity to practice wildland firefighting methods. The <br /> Public Work Department will use the fire as a restoration tool. <br /> Hist rically, prairies in the Willamette Valley were burned frequently by Native <br /> Americans. By reintroducing this ecological process, Park and Open Space staff hope to <br /> reduce wee y exotic species, remove built-up thatch, and provide an opportunity to reseed the <br /> area with n tive prairie species. <br /> NOTE TO SSIGNMENT EDITORS: PLEASE CONTACT GLEN POTTER AT 682-7118 OR <br /> ERIC JON SAT 682-5523 IF YOU PLAN TO SEND A REPORTER OR PHOTOGRAPHER <br /> TO THE C NTROLLED BURN. VEHICLE ACCESS TO THAT PORTION OF THE PARK IS <br /> LIMITED, D GENERAL ACCESS TO THE BURN AREA WILL BE RESTRICTED. <br /> Puiblic Works • Administration • City of Eugene • 858 Pearl Street • Eugene, OR 97401 <br /> Phone: (541) 682-5262. FAX: (541) 682-6826 • www.ci.eugene.or.us <br /> <br />