Cultus Lake ‘hazard trees’ removal starts next week

Starting early next week, a contractor will begin removing hazardous trees in the Cultus Lake Campground and Day Use sites. The sites have been closed to the public since June and are expected to reopen in late July, once the trees are fully removed, officials said Thursday.

On Monday, Kornish Forest Contracting of Bend will move equipment into the Cultus Lake Campground and Day Use area and begin operating in the area next Wednesday. Officials warned the area will be extremely unsafe for visitors to enter as the contractor will be falling and limbing trees with heavy equipment.

Last month, about 500 dead and dying trees were identified as hazardous due to the potential of the trees or limbs to seriously injure the public.

The Deschutes National Forest initially had announced a needed environmental review due to northern spotted owl habitat would keep the campground and day-use area closed all summer, but officials revised their plans after a public outcry and concerns raised by Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore.

“We had always wanted to remove the trees quickly,” said forest Public Affairs Officer Jean Nelson-Dean.

“After additional discussion amongst folks, we found were able to work with our existing authorities to address the safety issue while meeting our environmental authorities,” she said.

Reservations for the campground will open as soon as possible and the public will be notified when it opens. People are encouraged to follow the @DesNatlForest Twitter account or follow the forest on Facebook (U.S. Forest Service – Deschutes National Forest) to track the most current information.

Cultus Lake boat launch has remained open. However, beginning at 10 p.m. July 5 , the boat launch will close so trees in the adjacent day use area can be removed. The boat launch will remain closed through the July 8 th weekend, but is expected to reopen the following week.

Visitors need to be aware that during the boat launch closure there will be no parking at Cultus Lake or Cultus Lake resort for boat trailers . Visitors wanting to enjoy boating on the Deschutes National Forest during the Cultus Lake boat launch closure should consider boating at Wickiup Reservoir or Odell Lake.

The Forest Service wants to highlight that Cultus Lake Resort will be open for business throughout the removal of the trees. People wanting to enjoy Cultus Lake are encouraged to visit the resort.

“We want to thank the public for their patience as we eliminate the hazard and make the area safe for visitors,” the forest’s announcement said.

For more information, contact the Bend-Ft. Rock Ranger District at 541-383-5300 .