OPRD release – BUXTON, Ore – Tree thinning operations will affect the northeastern section of L.L. Stub Stewart State Park to improve the overall health of a 164-acre area. The work is underway now and rolling trail closures are in place. “The rolling trail closures allow us to close a trail and then reopen when crews have completed work and are moving to another section,” says Park Manager Aaron Raines. “Not all trails will be closed at the same time during the project.” Visitors will see rolling closures through Dec. 31, 2024, within the Mountain Bike Core Area, as well as Unfit Settlement Trail from the end of Hares Canyon Trail junction to North Caddywhomper Way, North Caddywhomper Way east of Peavy Hook Bridleway junction, and the entire length of Shoofly Trail and all adjoining mountain bike trails. Long-term closures for the north end of Hares Canyon Trail between the Peavey Hook Bridleway junction and the junction of Unfit Settlement Trail also will be in place through December 2024. Raines encourages everyone to visit the park web page alerts to see the latest closure updates, as well as to look for signs posted at the park. He adds that this is a great time to explore other park trails. Stub Stewart has nearly 30 miles of multi-use trails and the 21-mile Banks-Vernonia State Trail that also passes through the park. Trails in the southern and western portions of the park will remain open. The thinning project is in dense stands of 35- to 40-year-old Douglas-fir. The work will remove weaker trees to prevent die-off, as well as improve habitat for the remaining healthy trees to mature. Less dense forests also allow other native trees and shrubs to establish an understory beneath the healthy trees. Park staff will monitor the area in the future to stop the spread of invasive, non-native plants. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department manages the 1,800-acre L.L. Stub Stewart State Park to create a healthy, self-sustaining, diverse forest environment where people can enjoy the outdoors.
