Cultus Lake Campground could reopen for part of summer

BEND, Ore. – After receiving criticism, the U.S. Forest Service now plans to reopen Cultus Lake Campground for at least part of summer.

The Forest Service recently announced the popular recreation spot in Central Oregon would be closed for the entire summer because scores of dead and diseased trees pose a safety hazard for campers. It said a large-scale removal operation couldn’t occur until after the Northern spotted owl’s breeding season.

Congressman Greg Walden and area businesses complained about the decision.

District Ranger Kevin Larkin says the Forest Service will still consider the presence of spotted owls, but the agency will hire private contractors for tree removal while working through the legal process required for a large-scale removal.

The Bend Bulletin reported Larkin could not specify when the campground might re-open, but he said he hopes it will be for a “substantial” part of summer.