With the cooler, rainier days, OSU Research Forests will be beginning slash pile burning on the McDonald and Dunn Forests.
 
Select slash, tree branches, tops, and unmerchantable portions of tree stems have been gathered into piles for burning. Some slash and coarse woody debris are also scattered throughout the harvest area for retention.
 
Piles are ignited during the fall and winter rainy seasons – typically October, November, and December. Piles are ignited during specific weather windows and under the approval of local fire and smoke managers.
 
Piles typically burn down to the ground in one day but will smolder for several weeks. Progress of this prescribed burning will be monitored by Research Forests staff.
 
Slash pile burning is a cost-effective way to perform wildfire hazard mitigation, reduce fuel-loading, and to prepare sites for restoration and tree planting.