USFS updates temporary trail closures in West Bend Trails Network for wildfire risk reduction operations

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest said Thursday it plans to update temporary trail closures within the trails network west of Bend due to operations to reduce wildfire risk and restore forest resiliency in the wildland-urban interface.

Beginning Monday, February 19, the following trail segment will be closed:

• COD – Closed Monday through Friday between Junctions 32 and 23

Beginning Monday, February 19, the following trail segment will be closed:

• Afternoon Delight – Closed seven days a week from junction with Tyler’s Traverse south to junction with Forest Service Road 4130

As a reminder, other existing trail closures in this area include:

• Ben's Trail – Closed Monday through Friday between junction #5 and Skyliners Road (FS Road 4601)
• Royal Flush -- Closed seven days a week between junction with Afternoon Delight west to junction with Duodenum

Hauling operations are ongoing based on weather and conditions in the area around Ben’s, Kent’s, MTB and Tyler’s Traverse. Hauling will be occurring on temporary haul routes and roadways. Recreationists should use caution during road crossings.

Trail closures are designed to keep the optimal amount of trail milage open for recreationists during this work. However, if users disregard the closures, the closures will have to be moved further out from the work area.

This work is being done to help maintain and restore forest and ecosystem health while reducing hazardous fuels loading in the wildland-urban interface. Operations in these areas include thinning, mowing and mastication. Removing excess vegetation increases firefighters’ opportunities for success in stopping a wildfire should it start in this area. This work will help to create a forest that is more resilient to fire, insect infestations and disease.

Work is occurring within the Central Oregon Landscape, one of 21 focal landscapes identified within the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy. The implementation of this work supports the Deschutes National Forest’s commitment to addressing the Wildfire Crisis Strategy which aims to reduce severity of wildfires, protect communities, and improve the health and resiliency of fire-dependent forests. 

For more information about the closures, please contact the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District at 541-383-5300.