Public meeting set June 25 on Walton Lake plans

The Ochoco National Forest, in partnership with the Ochoco Forest Restoration Collaborative, will host a public information meeting Tuesday, June 25 in Prineville to discuss forest health conditions and a pending restoration project at Walton Lake, east of Prineville.

The meeting will bring interested members of the public together with Forest Service specialists to discuss current conditions affecting forest health and recreational opportunities in the Walton Lake area.

Forest Service pathologists have identified a tree disease, called laminated root rot, affecting more than 40 acres of fir trees surrounding the lake that causes infected trees to rot at the base and fall without warning.

Forest management in this area must simultaneously address public safety issues associated with extensive root rot among infected fir trees, as well as visual aesthetics and wildlife habitat needs.

Officials said the forest seeks to engage the public in understanding the management challenges in this project and to solicit public input to support development of possible management alternatives.

Those who attend the meeting will have an opportunity to:

·Discuss the management options and trade-offs currently being considered;

·Ask questions and share their perspectives with Forest Service specialists;

·Learn more about the current conditions affecting the health and recreational opportunities in the Walton Lake area; and

·Learn how and when to engage in the formal NEPA public input process.

When: 6-8 pm Tuesday, June 25 (Doors open at 5:15 pm)

Where: Meadow Lakes Restaurant, 300 SW Meadow Lakes Drive, Prineville

For more information, contact Patrick Lair at (541) 416-6647 or patrick.lair@usda.gov .