Deschutes National Forest OKs 2,800-acre thinning, mowing and prescribed burn project north of Sisters
(Update: Adding video)
Cougar Rock work also will reduce unauthorized roads, trails, reinforce road closures
SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Deschutes National Forest said Tuesday it's signed the final decision for the 2,800-acre Cougar Rock Restoration Project north of Sisters, consisting of thinning, mowing and prescribed burns on the Sisters Ranger District.
The Forest Service says the Cougar Rock project will help maintain and restore forest resiliency and health and reduce the risk of large-scale, high-severity wildfires. Work on the project could begin as soon as next month, according to the Forest Service.
Treatment activities will include thinning, mowing, and prescribed burning on up to 2,800 acres of National Forest System lands close to Sisters and north of Indian Ford Road. The project will produce an estimated 4.5 million board feet of commercial timber and other forest products.
The project will also reduce unauthorized roads and trails in the planning area and reinforce closures on maintenance level 1 (administratively closed) roads to reduce effects to natural resources. In addition, the project will help support the Metolius Deer Winter Range closure by adding a seasonal gate on Forest Service Road 2050.
The Cougar Rock project area borders private property north of Sisters and includes areas along Indian Ford Road, near the base of Black Butte, and Forest Service Road 1100.
Project documents can be viewed on the Deschutes National Forest website here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63319. A copy of the signed Decision Memo is available at: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/vrviz5f7a59x357z90hhvdnira7j91zv.
Members of the public may also contact Lauren DuRocher, Environmental Coordinator on the Sisters Ranger District by email at lauren.durocher@usda.gov with questions about the project.
For more information, please reach out to the Sisters Ranger District at (541) 549-7700.
