Deschutes National Forest extends Cabin Butte area closure south of Bend for another year, but reduces its size

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes National Forest announced Monday it will extend its temporary closure of the Cabin Butte Vegetation Management Project area south of Bend for at least another year, but reduce its size after work was completed west of Highway 97 and south of Deschutes River Woods.

The revised closure, now affecting 32,565 acres - about 2,000 acres smaller than the past year - will begin Friday, May 1st and remain in effect through at least April 30th, 2027.

"This measure is being taken to ensure public safety and support critical forest restoration efforts," the Forest Service said.

May 1st also marks a year since the closure of areas south of China Hat Road forced numerous homeless people camping in the area to move elsewhere.

Since then, the Forest Service pointed to "significant clean-up efforts," collaborating with Public Lands Stewards and Discover Your Northwest-Central Oregon to remove over 255,500 pounds of trash, 448 propane tanks and 170 tires.

Contractors have also removed 424 tons of solid waste and 635 tires, dismantled 115 vehicles, and salvaged and recycled 145 tons of metal.

KTVZ News has reached out for more details of the project's progress and revised closure and plans to have a report tonight at 6 p.m.

The Forest says the project aims to reduce wildfire risk and restore damaged habitats within the Wildland Urban Interface near Bend. During the closure, all access, including day use and overnight camping, is restricted while crews operate heavy machinery, conduct prescribed burns and clean up hazardous materials.

Areas west of Highway 97 and south of Deschutes River Woods are scheduled to reopen May 1st. The forest says it's reducing the size of the overall closure because mechanical fuels reduction treatments are complete in units west of Highway 97.

However, they added that "future temporary closures may be implemented in these areas, if needed as mowing, pre-commercial thinning and prescribed fire work continue."

All developed and dispersed recreation sites, along with National Forest System roads and trails in the closure area, will be closed.

Closed Developed and Dispersed Recreation Sites:

• Horse Butte Trailhead and butte area
• Boyd Cave Picnic Area
• Bessie Butte Trailhead and butte area
• Cabin Butte
• Coyote Butte

Closed Trails:

• Trail #61, Swamp Wells – between Horse Butte Trailhead and FSR 1816
• Trail #62, Coyote Loop – partial closure, the trail is open between Horse Butte Trailhead and the junction with FSR 1814, the trail is closed north of the trail junction with FSR 1814
• Trail #63, Arnold Ice Cave – between Horse Butte Trailhead and FSR 18
• Trail #66, Boyd Cave
• Trail #68, Bessie Butte

The Cabin Butte project incorporates a combination of thinning, mowing, mastication and prescribed fire treatments across the project area. As work is completed, the forest says it "will reevaluate the continued need for the closure to provide for safe, effective project implementation."

Violators of the area closure could face fines up to $5,000 for individuals or up to $10,000 for an organization. In addition, imprisonment for up to six months or both could be imposed.

For more information about the project, the public can contact the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District at (541) 383-5300 or visit the Cabin Butte Vegetation Management Project web page. The temporary closure order and closure area map can be found on the Deschutes National Forest's website. (We also have provided the revised map for you to see below.)