Forest Service rethinks local road closure

Mother Nature is probably the only authority who will close Forest Road 11 (Green Ridge Road) this winter.

The Sisters Ranger District is reconsidering a decision to post the road "closed" due to snow.

According to District Ranger Bill Anthony, the district is considering simply putting up warning signs indicating that the road is subject to snow blockage and is not maintained.

According to Anthony, Camp Sherman's Resident Deputy Dave Blann originally suggested the closure due to concern about motorists getting stuck in the snow and requiring rescue.

However, Anthony noted, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners did not want the closure.

Snowmobilers and four-wheel drive enthusiasts, concerned that they would be denied access to the popular recreation areas along Green Ridge, also complained about the closure.

Anthony noted that the Forest Service never intended to restrict recreation in the area and would have issued special use permits to snowmobilers and other winter recreationists.