Recent News
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Young Women’s Wildland Fire Career Camp to Debut in Central Oregon
Release Date: Dec 17, 2024
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Discover Deschutes National Forest: Winter Programming
Release Date: Dec 17, 2024
Features
Winter Range Closures
Winter range closures are in effect December 1 through March 31. Winter range is habitat deer and elk migrate to in order to find more favorable living conditions during the winter. Winter range is found predominantly in lower elevations of central Oregon and is extremely important to mule deer survival. Winter ranges usually have minimal amounts of snow cover and provide vegetation for forage, hiding cover, and protection from the weather. In Oregon, mule deer migrate, often long distances, to lower elevations to escape or minimize exposure to snow cover.
Expending energy or stopping feeding activities to avoid humans causes deer to use energy reserves that might be needed to get them through the harshness of winter. Animals respond better to disturbances that are predictable, so please respect winter closures on trails and roads.
Northwest Forest Plan & Amendment
The Northwest Forest Plan covers 24.5 million acres of federally managed lands in California, Oregon, and Washington. It was established in 1994 to address threats to threatened and endangered species while also contributing to social and economic sustainability in the region. After nearly 30 years, the Northwest Forest Plan needs to be updated to accommodate changed ecological and social conditions.
Learn more and get involved: https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r6/nwfp.
Spotlights
2024 Central Oregon Firewood
Firewood cutting season on the Deschutes National Forest is open May 1 through November 30.
What is Prescribed Fire?
Prescribed fire can be used to reduce hazardous fuels while improving forest and rangeland health and protecting the quality of our watersheds and wildlife habitat.
Accessible Adventures on the Deschutes National Forest
Learn more about accessible recreation sites on the Deschutes National Forest.
Hunting on the Deschutes
Planning a hunting trip on the Deschutes National Forest?
Know Before You Go by clicking on this information!
Alerts & Warnings
- West Bend Area Trail Closures (Dec. 11, 2024)
- Bachelor Complex Fires Emergency Closure (November 15, 2024)
- Firestone & Flat Top Fires Emergency Closure (October 11, 2024)
- Blue-Green Algae Information (Summer 2024)
- Recreating in the Cedar Creek Fire Burned Area (June 2023)
- Willamette NF Fire Closures
