Two-day trail closure this week on Ben’s and Kent’s Trails for work ahead of thinning operation

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A two-day closure is slated for Tuesday and Wednesday on Ben’s and Kent’s Trails segments leaving from Phil’s Trailhead to allow contractors to complete pre-work ahead of thinning operations this fall.

Beginning Tuesday, Ben’s Trail will be closed from its terminus at Phil’s Trailhead west to the junction with MTB. Kent’s Trail will be closed from its terminus at Phil’s Trailhead west to the junction with MTB. The closure will be in place Tuesday and Wednesday, reopening Thursday.

This work is part of the West Bend Project area within the Deschutes Collaborative Forest Project area landscape in which the Forest Service is restoring 26,000 acres of forest adjacent to the City of Bend to improve forest health, create a diversity of plant and wildlife habitat and protect our communities and quality of life.

Historically in Central Oregon small wildfires or insect infestations occurred creating a forest of different aged trees, underbrush, and openings, which allowed a diversity of wildlife and plants to flourish and kept forests resilient to large scale disturbances. The West Bend Project's goal is to restore a more resilient and healthy forest.

The Forest Service is experiencing increased violations of trail closure areas. Trail closures are designed to keep the optimal amount of trail milage open for recreationists during this work. However, if users continue disregarding the closures, the closures will have to be moved further out from the work area.

To view a complete list of current West Bend area trail closures, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/home/?cid=stelprdb5270133.

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