Q: I live in a forested area of Deschutes County. I think that deadfall (cut trunks laying on the forest floor) left to decompose improves the health of the forest, but I am wondering if it also increases fire risk.
Small farms have sprouted across southwestern Oregon like the seeds they plant. The growth comes as interest in local foods increases, retirees buy small acreages, and ambitious Generation Xers and Yers look for back-to-the-land vocations.