Public caution urged along Ochoco winter log hauling routes

The Ochoco National Forest wants everyone to enjoy a safe and happy holiday season. So forest managers are reminding the public that several winter logging operations are underway and to expect log hauling traffic on certain roads throughout the winter.

Logging truck operators may have reduced visibility during snowy weather and may require longer stopping distances on icy or snow-packed roads. Whether you’re driving in your car or out on a snowmobile or a pair skis, please be aware of log trucks and drive defensively.

Here is a list of log hauling routes:

42 Road Westbound: Log truck traffic consisting of 1-3 loads per day is coming down past the Ochoco Ranger Station on Forest Service Road 42 heading westbound toward Prineville. The number of trucks per day will likely increase after January 1, 2017.

42 Road Southbound: Heavy log truck traffic consisting of 10-15 loads per day is currently on Forest Service Road 42 heading south past Wolf Creek Campground out to Highway 380. Loaded trucks originate from Forest Service Roads 12 and 4276 beyond Six Corners.

12 Road Northbound: Log truck traffic on Forest Service Road 12 northbound over Buck Point past Barnhouse Campground toward Highway 26. Loaded trucks are originating on Forest Service Road 2630.

Also, please be advised that these roads are currently plowed up to the operations areas by the timber contractors, but plowing will only last until the work is completed.

Forest Service Roads 12 and 42 are not being plowed between the three individual log hauling routes, so those portions of the roads are not passable due to heavy accumulations of snow.

For more information, contact Public Affairs Officer Patrick Lair at (541) 233-7770 or plair@fs.fed.us