Deschutes National Forest opens comment period for restoration project
Sisters, Ore. (KTVZ) --- The Deschutes National Forest has opened a public comment period for the draft Environmental Assessment of the Sisters Canyons Active Restoration Project. The project covers approximately 17,500 acres north of Sisters, Ore., and aims to enhance forest resiliency while mitigating the risk of large-scale high severity wildfires. Comments must be submitted or post-marked by Aug. 14, 2026.
The Sisters Canyons Active Restoration Project, known as SCARP, proposes activities across roughly 14,400 acres, including thinning, mowing and prescribed burning. These efforts are designed to address concerns regarding insects and disease within the forest. Holly Jewkes, Deschutes National Forest Supervisor, announced the opening of the comment period.
The project also includes two proposed site-specific Forest Plan Amendments to change scenery requirements on about 220 acres. These amendments would allow for efficient prescribed burning. Additionally, a well-established user trail located within an isolated Forest Service parcel near Deer Ridge Road is slated for inclusion in the Forest Service trail system.
The project was authorized as a Forest Health and Fuels Emergency Situation Determination under USDA Secretarial Memo 1078-006 and section 40807 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Because of this emergency authority, the Environmental Assessment considered only the proposed action and the no action alternative.
The project is not subject to the project-level pre-decisional administrative review or any processes outlined in 36 CFR Part 218.
The public can submit comments electronically using the Comment Analysis and Response Application, CARA, which is the preferred method for submission. The specific link for electronic comments is cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=351294.
Alternatively, comments may be mailed to Sisters Ranger District, 694 North Larch Street, PO Box 249, Sisters, Ore. 97759. Hand-delivered comments will be accepted at 201 N. Pine St., Sisters, Ore. 97759, during business hours, which are 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. PST Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
All documents and related comments are part of the comment process under the National Environmental Policy Act and may be released under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 USC 552.
For additional information, individuals may contact Lauren DuRocher, Environmental Coordinator, at lauren.durocher@usda.gov or by phone at 541-316-9686.
The public comment period for the Sisters Canyons Active Restoration Project will close on Aug. 14, 2026.
