USFS plans thinning, replanting around Walton Lake

The Lookout Mountain Ranger District of the Ochoco National Forest said Friday it is seeking feedback on a proposal to selectively thin and replant on nearly 200 acres of forest surrounding Walton Lake this fall.

The Walton Lake Restoration Project proposes to address both forest health and visitor safety surrounding Walton Lake Campground and Day Use Area, the most heavily used developed recreation site on the national forest, the agency said.

Laminated root disease, a native condition found in the forest, has infected numerous large Douglas-fir and grand fir trees east of the lake, about 30 miles northeast of Prineville.

The root disease causes infected trees to rot at the base and fall without warning, creating both a visitor safety issue and elevated fire danger.

The project proposes thinning fir trees infected with root rot disease and replanting with native, disease-resistant species.

On the other three sides of the lake, the project proposes to thin fir trees that are crowding the large, legacy ponderosa pines in an effort to prevent an insect or disease outbreak and preserve the large pines that visitors to the lake enjoy.

The Forest Service is proposing the project take place this fall because it has received special funding to complete the forest health treatments this year.

Under the current proposal, Walton Lake Campground and Day Use Area would close to the public for a short duration sometime this fall while selected trees are removed.

Replanting would follow this fall or next spring and the area would recover its pleasing appearance as new growth fills in over time.

You can find photos of infected trees, maps, and more information about this proposal on the Ochoco National Forest website: http://go.usa.gov/3NfBV

To stay informed on the progress of this proposal, please send your name and preferred method of contact to: comments-pacificnorthwest-ochoco@fs.fed.us