Winter closures in effect to protect wildlife
Ryder Redfield
Winter closures in effect for the Deschutes National Forest
As of December 1, winter road closures are in effect for four areas in the Deschutes National Forest. These closures are vital for local wildlife, especially local elk and mule deer herds, who spend the winter in these areas.
It’s easy to think of a winter road closure as nothing more than a seasonal inconvenience. In reality, these closures are life-saving measures deserving of our respect.
Mule deer on winter range: Greg Burke
A recent report from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife revealed that local mule deer populations have plunged by 56% since 2004.
Increasing development on migratory corridors, more traffic and road development, increased fencing, and other disturbances from recreation are all obstacles that have contributed to a stressed population.
We can all do our part to respect our wild neighbors by observing seasonal road closures on trails and roads both near and far. Tell your friends and family about the importance of intact winter range. A collective awareness of and commitment to prioritizing the needs of wildlife is the first step towards revitalizing regional mule deer populations.
The closures limit motorized vehicles (including snowmobiles and electric bicycles) in the areas. Closures will be in effect through March 31.
How do road closures help?
Nothing comes easy for Central Oregon’s mule deer during the harsh winters. Temperatures drop precipitously and deep snow falls across the higher elevation habitat in the Cascade mountains where they spend their summers. In order to survive, these iconic animals must descend to the lower elevations on the eastern foothills of the Cascades. They’ll spend the winter in the juniper woodlands and high desert shrub steppe. Here, snow cover is not as inundating, and exposed vegetation can still be found giving them opportunities for food that are few and far between.
Even still, they must maintain a treacherous balance between limited food resources and the substantial energy demands of winter. To put it simply, mule deer populations are strategically starving themselves just to make it to spring. Furthermore, the annual breeding season for mule deer takes place in the fall and results in winter pregnancies for female deer. This makes their seasonal survival all the more crucial to sustaining the overall health of the herd. Learn more about winter range
But here’s the thing. These lower ecoregions that mule deer depend on during winter are also where we live. They are where we’ve built our cities, towns, and infrastructure. Our growing communities exert an unmistakable presence across land that has for prior millennia been the open, intact habitat of Central Oregon’s wildlife. Striking a balance between the needs of wildlife and our collective impact on the land is essential to preserving the exceptional quality of life Central Oregon provides for both human and more-than-human species.
Learn more about the life and times of Central Oregon mule deer from our friends at the High Desert Museum through this interactive web display.
Greg Chapel
PROTECTING WILDLIFE
When we understand our relationship with Central Oregon’s public lands and open space as one of stewardship and reciprocity, we see that, just as the land cares for us, we must care for the land.
A big part of that is making sure Central Oregon’s iconic wildlife continues to thrive in this region. Together, we can ensure our region remains one where we can live as good neighbors to our wildlife by recognizing their homes on this landscape.