Forest Bridges, in partnership with Jane Ratzlaff, the Family Development Center, and In a Landscape, is commemorating the 5th Anniversary of the Archie Creek Fire. This devastating wildfire was one of five megafires during the 2020 Labor Day Fires, burning over 1 million acres of public and private lands across western Oregon. The fires caused significant damage to ecosystems, local economies, and communities.

The event features a concert by In a Landscape pianist Hunter Noack at the Millpond Recreation Site. Once a thriving area along Rock Creek, Millpond was severely impacted by the Archie Creek Fire, which burned over 125,000 acres in Douglas County, destroyed 154 homes, and left much of the area unrestored. While some restoration efforts have made Millpond safe and accessible, the scars of the wildfire remain.

Concert attendees will witness this powerful setting and gain insight into the area’s ecological and cultural importance. The site lies in Oregon's logging and recreation country and on the ancestral lands of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians.

Forest Bridges will also share its ongoing work to transform the management of O&C Lands. These efforts focus on restoring fire-resilient ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and supporting rural economies. By promoting sustainable practices and helping O&C counties dependent on timber revenues, Forest Bridges is working toward a more balanced and resilient future for Oregon’s forests and communities.

Join us for this special event to reflect on the past, learn about recovery efforts, and explore solutions for a healthier future.