Seasonal Fire Restrictions Begin June 1 on Bear Creek Greenway

Medford, Oregon- Fire season restrictions will take effect June 1 on Jackson County portions of the Bear Creek Greenway, county officials announced Thursday, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risk during Oregon’s declared fire season.

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has set June 1 as the official start of the 2025 fire season. In alignment with that declaration, Jackson County will once again close all off-pavement areas of the greenway to the public—a policy first enacted in 2021 to protect the urban corridor from potential wildfire threats.

Jackson County Roads and Parks reminds all Bear Creek Greenway users that they must remain on the paved path in county-maintained sections of the trail.

“We want folks to use the trail for biking, walking, running and any other recreational use that allows them to remain on the paved portion of the trail. We maintain vegetation within ten feet of the paved path to lower fire risk. However, if you venture off of the paved surface in an area under Jackson County’s jurisdiction, you are at risk of potential enforcement measures,” says Steve Lambert, Jackson County Roads and Parks Director.

“The greenway is a special place and serves our community on many levels. This off-pavement seasonal closure, along with other fuel mitigation efforts we are focusing on, is a very important part of our County’s effort to prevent a fire in this urban corridor,” says Lambert.

The seasonal off-pavement closure will be enforced starting at 12:01 a.m. on June 1 and will remain in effect until ODF declares an end to the 2025 fire season later this year.

For additional information, the public can contact Steve Lambert at Jackson County Roads and Parks at 541-401-2460.