Marys Peak road, trails to temporarily close for meadow restoration

Release Date: Sep 15, 2015

Contact(s): Lisa Romano, Paul Meznarich

Trails, day-use areas and Forest Road 3010 on Marys Peak in the Siuslaw National Forest will be temporarily closed starting Thursday, Sept. 17, while meadow restoration work is conducted. The closures are designed to ensure public and worker safety and are expected to last through mid-November or until work is completed.

The Marys Peak project will restore vistas and historic meadows to this popular and important scenic botanical area. Due to a variety of factors, including past and present human activities on the peak, trees have begun to grow into the meadows. Not only do these trees impact the scenic view, but they’re also changing the ecology of the meadows, which are a rare and important ecosystem in the Oregon Coast Range.

After research by scientists and several years of planning, including substantial public input, contractors for the Forest Service will be removing trees to restore the open meadows and scenic vistas. Following tree removal in 2015, the area will be treated to prevent the spread of invasive plants, and meadow species will be planted in the newly cleared areas.

“We’re proud of this effort that will re-establish meadows in this unique and special place, improve visitors’ experience on the peak with expanded scenic vistas, and also put people to work to accomplish our restoration objectives,” said Jerry Ingersoll, Siuslaw National Forest supervisor.

Conner’s Camp, the East Ridge Trail, and Forest Road 2005 will be closed beginning Sept. 17. On Monday, Sept. 21, Forest Road 3010 will be closed between Connor’s Camp and the Marys Peak day-use area. Other area trails (including the North Ridge Trail from Woods Creek) will be closed until restoration work is completed.

In order to get the work done safely, it is necessary to keep visitors out of the way of heavy logging equipment, as well as falling trees, broken tree limbs, debris and more that can accumulate while the work is being done. By respecting the closures, individuals will ensure their own safety, the safety of the workers, and will allow the project to proceed as quickly and efficiently as possible. When the trails and day use areas reopen, visitors will enjoy vistas restored to their historic range.

For more information on this project, visit http://go.usa.gov/3eZGF. To check on status of Marys Peak closures, visit www.fs.usda.gov/siuslaw, which will be updated as areas reopen.