Locals to pitch in on burn restoration

Sisters area residents and visitors can pitch in to help the forest recover from the scorching flames of last summer's B&B Complex Fire.

Tree planting along the banks of Abbot Creek near Camp Sherman is scheduled for Saturday, April 24. The Forest Service is seeking 100 volunteers to plant seedlings and cage healthy young trees to protect them from invaders.

Abbot Creek is one of many small tributaries to the Metolius River. It is an important part of the watershed where small fish are reared and wildlife gather.

According to event organizer Helen Condon, a Sisters resident, "There is enough work for as many as show up. We need to know in advance how many will be there so we can plan transportation."

Volunteers will be bussed in to reduce automobile congestion and to insure that no weeds are brought into the area. The Sisters School District is providing the transportation.

Abbot Creek was one of the areas most intensely damaged in last summer's forest fire.

"It was very, very hot in this area because of the huge accumulation of dead and down trees," said Cindy Glick, assistant silviculturist with the Deschutes National Forest.

The natural ecology of the area and the effects of the fire will be explained. A fire prevention specialist will answer questions and offer a drive-by tour of some of the fire site.

Participants will dig tiny holes, insert seedlings and put mesh around small trees. The Forest Service will provide specialty tools and plants.

"This is work the Forest Service does normally, but we enjoy having the public get involved with their forest and to learn," said Glick.

Condon said this will be moderately easy, but dirty work.

"You should come prepared to get very dirty, as last year's ash is now a greasy, black coating," she said. "Small children may be at risk near the creek, but all families, organizations, neighborhoods are welcome. This is our chance to heal ourselves as well as our own backyard."

To sign up and for more information call the Deschutes National Forest's Sisters Ranger District at 549-7700, or register online at www.abbotcreekoregon.org.