Staffing shortages throughout the Sisters Ranger District (Oregon) prompted the U.S. Forest Service to temporarily halt campground reservations within the Three Creek Lake area in the Deschutes National Forest.
As per a report, the Forest Service, which announced the immediate change in a press release Monday, said the shortages mean that Three Creek Lake, Driftwood, and Three Creek Meadows campgrounds will be on a first-come-first-served basis until campground hosts are hired.
“The Three Creek Lake area is one of the crown jewels for recreation on the Sisters Ranger District. We appreciate the public’s patience while we work through staffing challenges with our partner and hope that offering free, first come-first served camping in the interim will help alleviate the unfortunate situation,” said Ian Reid, Sisters District Ranger.
Reid added that they are working through staffing challenges with our partner and hope that offering free, first come-first served camping will help alleviate the unfortunate situation.
The Forest Service clarified that officials would provide periodic toilet service at the campgrounds until the staffing issue is resolved. The Forest Service is also asking guests not to dump their garbage at the campgrounds for the time being.
According to the Forest Service, Forest Road 16, which runs through the Three Creek Lake area, is rougher than most years and requires reconstruction. The Forest Service warned people to drive cautiously and stated that the reconstruction is expected to be completed by 2023.
To apply as campground host for the sites, contact Vista Recreation at 541-323-1746.
For more information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes.
This story originally appeared on Bend Bulletin.