Where urban and wildlife habitat intersect

Wildland urban interface — or WUI — is where natural areas and developed areas meet. We may all desire to live within or alongside Oregon’s natural beauty, but as communities continue to expand, these natural areas are becoming increasingly vulnerable. The concern for WUI is twofold: Wildlife is forced to move from these areas, and these newly developed areas are susceptible to wildfires.

For those fortunate enough to live nestled in or near our forests, planning and preparation can help safeguard their home. This includes:

• Clearing a 30-foot perimeter of defensible space around the home
• Removing dead material
• Pruning branches in the adjacent forest to remove fuel ladders

Creating fire-resistant landscapes with plants such as Oregon grape holly and Pacific rhododendron can also help to reduce fire risks. Visit www.keeporegongreen.org for more info about protecting a WUI home.

While population expansion is inevitable, we can still strike a balance between growth and conserving Oregon forestlands. Oregon’s effective land use planning helps to address these concerns and determine the best possible solutions for both humans and wildlife.