Project to Improve Safety of Highway 20 Travel Corridor Out for Public Review

Release Date: Apr 25, 2018

Release Date: April 25, 2018
Contact: Jean Nelson-Dean, Public Affairs Officer, 541-383-5561

 

Project to Improve Safety of Highway 20 Travel Corridor Out for Public Review

Project will remove trees along the roadway

 

SISTERS– The Sisters Ranger District is interested in hearing from the public about any concerns, questions or suggestions regarding a project to remove dead and dying danger trees along Highway 20 just outside of Sisters, Ore.

The project would remove trees that pose a hazard to public safety because of their potential to fall across the highway. Only the dead and dying trees would be removed. The project area includes 11.5 miles of Highway 20 beginning at the City of Sisters and travelling northwest and a 1-mile section southeast of Sisters. The trees would be felled and removed. Ultimately the trees would be utilized for forest products.

The project is needed because from 2013 to 2015 an herbicide was used along the highway corridor, within the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Right of Way, to remove brush. The herbicide harmed Ponderosa pines and other trees in the area where it was applied.

In 2014, foresters began noticing the occurrence of stressed trees along Highway 20, many of which later died. Since that time foresters have connected that tree stress and associated mortality to the herbicide use.

During the felling of the trees, which might occur as early as this fall, flaggers would be used as necessary to maintain safety along the highway and travelers might experience some delays.

People interested in learning more about the Highway 20 Corridor Public Safety Project should contact Michael Keown, Sisters Ranger District Environmental Planner at 541-549-7735. Comments will be taken for 30 days and can be made through mail, in person, or via e-mail at comments-pacificnorthwest-deschutes-sisters@fs.fed.us.

 

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