Public Land Stewards to host volunteer clean-up event on Saturday south of Bend, help block unauthorized routes

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Public Land Stewards of Bend (PLS) is hosting a volunteer cleanup event this Saturday on the Deschutes National Forest south of Bend.

The public is invited to participate in the cleanup event, which will focus on the Cabin Butte, Horse Butte and Coyote Butte areas. The event will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m.

Interested individuals can register on PLS’s website at www.plsbend.org. Participants will play a crucial role in restoring the integrity of the area by addressing litter and misuse.

"Preserving our natural landscapes requires a collective effort, and we are grateful for our partnership with Public Land Stewards of Bend and the dedication of volunteers," said Christine Meyers, Partnership Program Manager of Deschutes National Forest. "Together, we can make a meaningful impact in restoring these iconic areas.”

Following the clean-up, PLS will work with the Deschutes National Forest to block unauthorized, user-created routes along Forest Service Road 1815. Natural barriers will be strategically placed along the road to prevent future damage and facilitate the regeneration of forest and wildlife habitats that have been adversely affected by misuse.

Recreators are encouraged to avoid the general area on April 13 during the cleanup event.

"Our mission at Public Land Stewards of Bend is to foster a culture of responsible land use and conservation," said Kevin Hopper, Co-Founder of PLS Bend. "Through our corporate partnerships and with community volunteers, we can enact positive change and preserve the natural beauty of our public lands to help keep them accessible for years to come."

April marks National Volunteer Month, a time to spotlight the impact volunteers have on our communities and recognize the incredible contributions they make. The partnership between the Deschutes National Forest and PLS underscores a proactive commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement in safeguarding the natural beauty and accessibility of Central Oregon’s public lands for generations to come.

Public Land Stewards of Bend is a non-profit organization committed to promoting responsible land use and preserving public land accessibility for all user groups in Central Oregon. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, PLS strives to protect and enhance the region's most precious natural resources.

For more information about the clean-up event, please visit www.plsbend.org.

Discover Your Forest/Discover Your Northwest is the Fiscal Sponsor of Public Land Stewards

###Discover Your Forest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (IRS Tax ID # 91-0921955)