Chip Ross Area Oak Habitat Restoration Project
The Park has been re-opened. Portions of the Summit Trail are still closed due to eroded trail conditions. We anticipate re-opening this section with a modified route in November or December.
General Project Description:
Only 2% of prairie and oak savanna habitat in the Willamette Valley remains, making restoration of still functioning properties critical. While Benton County still contains a large corridor of remnant oak savanna and prairie habitat restoration is needed to increase and enhance this habitat type. The restoration project is located in Chip Ross and Timberhill Natural Areas, and Oregon State University College Forests' Charlie Meadows. Restoration actions will expand these habitats and the connectivity along the corridor of which Bald Hill Natural Area, Fitton Green, Owen's Farm, USFWS Finley Refuge, and the project site are all a part. Over the past year, project partners have worked with Trout Mountain Forestry to create a habitat restoration plan to guide on-the-ground activities. The Chip Ross Area Oak Habitat Restoration Project will restore and enhance oak savanna, oak woodland, and upland prairie habitats by (1) thinning/removing Douglas fir and other competitive trees; (2) controlling invasive weeds; and (3) establishing native grasses. Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board funds, along with timber revenue funds, will be used to implement the various treatment prescriptions.
