Wildfire Mitigation Clean Up Event – Happy Valley Nature Park (SE Greiner Lane near the Nature Park Trail entrance)

City of Happy Valley, in partnership with the Oregon National Guard, Clackamas Fire, National Charity League, Boys Team Charity, Parr Lumber, and dedicated community volunteers, are actively working at Happy Valley Nature Park to reduce wildfire risk ahead of the summer season.

This effort is supported by a Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office (OSFM) and focuses on removing hazardous vegetation in steep, densely wooded areas of the park. Crews are clearing invasive species such as blackberries, trimming low-hanging branches, and thinning young trees that create “ladder fuels,” which can allow fire to rapidly climb from the ground into the tree canopy and intensify.

Work is concentrated along the park’s edges near residential neighborhoods, where crews are creating a 15–20-foot defensible space buffer to help slow or stop the spread of wildfire. These proactive measures are designed to better protect nearby homes, improve access for emergency responders, and strengthen the community’s overall resilience during the upcoming wildfire season.

This effort reflects the strength of a community working together, demonstrating how partnerships, volunteerism, and shared responsibility play a critical role in reducing wildfire risk and building a safer, more resilient Happy Valley.

“This is a great example of what can be accomplished when partners and volunteers come together with a shared goal of keeping our community safe,” said Steve Campbell, Director of Public Safety for the City of Happy Valley.  “By taking action now, we are reducing risk and helping ensure Happy Valley is better prepared for the months ahead.”

Media are welcome on-site today to observe the work in progress, capture visuals of crews operating in steep terrain, and speak with project partners about the importance of wildfire preparedness and prevention.