After a summer that tested the fire resilience of communities across Central Oregon, Crooked River Ranch is heading into fall with renewed attention on the wildfire mitigation work that has made it one of the region's recognized Firewise communities — while also looking ahead to the fall activities and community events that define life on the Ranch.

Board Work Session Recap

The Crooked River Ranch Board of Directors held a work session on September 9 to discuss neighborhood priorities ahead of the fall and winter seasons. While formal minutes are typically posted to the Ranch's official website, the session covered routine administrative matters and ongoing community projects.

Residents interested in community governance updates are encouraged to attend upcoming monthly board meetings or review posted materials at crookedriverranch.com. Board meetings are open to Ranch property owners and are generally held at the Juniper Room or via Zoom.

Firewise Efforts Continue

Crooked River Ranch has maintained Firewise USA recognition for its community-wide fire safety efforts — a designation that reflects organized mitigation work, defensible space education, and neighborhood preparedness planning.

This summer's active fire season across Jefferson County, including the major Bench Fire that burned tens of thousands of acres nearby, underscored the importance of that ongoing work. Ranch leadership has encouraged residents to review their defensible space during the fall window — before snow makes outdoor work difficult and before next fire season begins.

Key Firewise recommendations for Ranch residents this fall include clearing dead vegetation within 30 feet of structures, cleaning gutters and roof surfaces of debris, and ensuring that propane tanks and outbuildings have adequate clearance.

Fall Programming and Community Life

Crooked River Ranch's calendar of community activities continues into the fall, with the Events Committee coordinating seasonal programming for residents. The Ranch's community center and recreational facilities remain active through the shoulder season.

  • Upcoming board and committee meeting dates are posted at crookedriverranch.com
  • The Firewise committee page includes resources for defensible space planning
  • Community inquiries: Crooked River Ranch Admin Office

The Ranch, a large rural residential community straddling the Jefferson-Crook county line along the Crooked River canyon, is home to several thousand residents and operates its own road maintenance, water, and community services infrastructure. It represents one of the larger unincorporated communities in the region and a regular presence in Jefferson County civic life.

Looking Ahead

With the fire season transition underway and cooler temperatures approaching, Ranch residents have a valuable window to complete outdoor fire mitigation projects before winter. Jefferson County Fire and EMS encourages all rural property owners — not just those on the Ranch — to use September and October for defensible space work while conditions allow.

For more information on community fire preparedness resources, visit jeffco.net or jcfr1.org.