It can be a cumbersome, bureaucratic process for the Bend Park & Recreation District to remove trees on district property to reduce fire danger in what are called areas of special interest. Areas of special interest are unique rock outcroppings, ridges and stands of trees that have been identified and get protected. A developer can’t just go in and blast an area of special interest to bits and put up a building. Similarly, the park district can’t just go in and remove trees to reduce fire danger in an area of special interest on district property. The park district has been asking, at least since 2021, for a clearer and more efficient city process when the district makes a determination that trees should be removed.