In central Oregon, the US Forest Service is evicting dozens of homeless individuals from Deschutes National Forest to conduct a wildfire prevention project involving tree removal, debris clearing, and controlled burns. This eviction is part of a broader effort to enhance forest management and increase timber production, as directed by an executive order from the Trump administration. Advocates for the homeless have criticized the timing, suggesting it coincides suspiciously with plans to open forests for logging. Despite efforts to halt the closure, a legal attempt to prevent the eviction was denied, prioritizing environmental restoration over the residents' needs. The project, known as the Cabin Butte Vegetation Management Project, covers 30,000 acres and will close recreation sites and trails until April next year, with violators facing penalties for noncompliance.

The US Forest Service is evicting homeless people from Deschutes National Forest to conduct a wildfire prevention project, which includes removing small trees and clearing debris to reduce fire risks.

The decision follows a Trump administration executive order aimed at increasing timber production and forest management to mitigate wildfire dangers, drawing criticism from homeless advocates for its timing.

The number of people living in the forest increased due to economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to job losses and high housing costs, as noted by homeless advocates.

A restraining order filed by residents and advocates to stop the eviction was denied by a federal judge, who prioritized forest restoration and wildfire prevention over the interests of the homeless individuals.

The Cabin Butte Vegetation Management Project will cover 30,000 acres and restrict access to the area, with possible penalties for those violating the closure, as part of efforts to restore habitats and prevent wildfires.

The closure, described as temporary but expected to last at least a year, will affect all access, including day and overnight camping, with authorities ensuring compliance and public safety.

The US Forest Service had informed residents as early as January about the impending closure, with plans originally published in 2019 and authorized in 2023, highlighting a long-standing strategy for forest management.