EUGENE, Ore. -- The city of Eugene is working to improve the natural habitat of Skinner Butte.

Crews are working from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

The goal is to reduce wildfire risk, add new trails and protect native plant habitat on the south-facing side of the butte.

Project manager Lauri Holts said the trees are marked in a strategic way that gives the staff a clear understanding of which trees need to be cut.

"For native species that are smaller than six inches that we want to keep, we flag them with orange flagging," Holts said. 

Blue flaggings are for native species larger than six inches.

Shelly Miller is the Ecological Services and GIS Supervisor for the city of Eugene. She said that it is important for the community to be aware of their surroundings when in the area.

“You just have to look for signs for either trail or road closures," Miller said. "I encourage the public to pay attention to those because they are closed for their own safety and for the safety for the workers.

The project began on Monday and is expected to continue through the next few weeks.

"We're looking to create a more open habitat that is safer in terms of wildfire risk," Miller said. "It's a healthier forest, and we hope to help native species thrive."

For more information about the project, click here.