Illegal dumping on Deschutes Forest causes eyesore

People dumping their trash on the Deschutes National Forest along China Hat Road south of Bend are causing an eyesore that dismays many visitors to the area.

Mattresses, bottles and empty propane canisters are only a few of the things you can find dumped on the public lands.

Crystal Reece rides ATVs with her family on the weekends, and she’s noticed trash piles are becoming a growing part of Central Oregon’s scenery.

“It’s out of control,” she said Tuesday.

The Deschutes National Forest has posted “no dumping” signs around the forest, but they are often ignored.

Forest Public Affairs Specialist Kassidy Kern said people dumping their trash on forest lands is a problem they’re trying to resolve.

“Dumping on public lands means we’re not taking care of something that should be a beautiful natural resource for all of us to enjoy,” Kern said.

Forest crews do routinely go out and pick up trash piles, but some materials can be hazardous and need special attention when dealing with trash.

These clean-ups cost money, and taxpayers are footing that bill.

Reece said she wants to keep forest lands clean and beautiful for future generations.

“This is our backyard. Our kids are supposed to enjoy this area and it’s not getting enjoyed because, look around — it’s bad,” Reece said.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reported it has handled 50 cases already this year of people dumping trash on public lands. In all of last year, the agency had 59 cases.

Sheriff’s Deputy Jim Withcomb told NewsChannel 21 he expects this year’s cases to range about the same from last year.

The sheriff’s office said people often dump their trash along a four mile stretch of China Hat Road.

Anyone caught doing so can face a $500 fine.

The sheriff’s office said it only costs about $9 to take trash to the dump, which is much cheaper than paying the illegal dumping fine.

Anyone who sees someone dumping trash on forest lands is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at (541) 693-6911.