Walton Lake area closure extended due to diseased trees

The Ochoco National Forest said Tuesday it has extended a one-year public safety closure around 40 acres of forest near Walton Lake infected with a tree disease that weakens the roots and can cause them to fall without warning.

The forest issued a one-year closure order a year ago to prevent the public from recreating within the area of diseased trees that borders the busiest recreation site on the Ochoco National Forest. A new order went into effect Tuesday to extend that closure while Forest Service officials decide how best to deal with the trees.

The closure area encompasses about 40 acres of fir trees infected with laminated root rot, and includes about a third of a mile of the Walton Lake Trail that connects Walton Lake to the Round Mountain Trail.

“This is a temporary closure for this one area of trees, put in place for the health and safety of visitors, while we work through an environmental analysis to determine how best to deal with the problem,” said Acting District Ranger Marcos Romero. “The lake and campground will open as normal on May 15 and everyone is still welcome to recreate here and enjoy the rest of the area.”

The closure area borders Forest Service Road 2220, the loop drive that circles Walton Lake, but does not border the lake itself, nor does it prevent people from using the developed campground, the boat launch, or any of the many benches and picnic tables around the lake, located east of Prineville.

Laminated root rot is considered the most damaging root disease of forest trees in Oregon and Washington, and because of that, it is also one of the most hazardous to people and property in popular developed recreation areas, officials said.

This native tree disease is caused by a fungus that rots and decays the root system of various conifers. Trees that are highly susceptible to laminated root rot can be killed and include conifers like Douglas-fir, white and grand firs, and mountain hemlock.

The closure is expected to remain in place until the Forest Service has determined the best way to deal with the threat to visitor safety.

To learn more about Walton Lake, visit our website at: https://go.usa.gov/xQ88w

To make campground reservations, visit: www.recreation.gov

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