Forest thinning operations in the Deschutes National Forest west of Bend will temporarily close several trails starting Monday .

Trail closures include COD Trail between the junctions of 32 and 23. The section of trail will close on weekdays only. Afternoon Delight Trail will be closed seven days a week from the junction with Tyler’s Traverse south to the junction with Forest Service Road 4130.

The thinning operations are being conducted to reduce wildfire risk and restore forest resiliency in the wildland-urban interface, where fire-prone forests border neighborhoods and communities  west of Bend, the Deschutes National Forest said in a statement.

Other temporary trail closures already in effect include Ben’s Trail (closed on weekdays between junction 5 and Skyliners Road) and Royal Flush (closed seven days a week between the junction with Afternoon Delight west to the junction with Duodenum).

Hauling operations are ongoing based on weather and conditions around Ben’s, Kent’s, MTB and Tyler’s Traverse. Hauling will occur on temporary haul routes and roadways. The Forest Service advises trail users to use caution at road crossings.

Removing excess vegetation helps firefighters defend communities, the U.S. Forest Service said. The work is also designed to improve the health of historically overstocked forests prone to insect infestations and tree disease.

For more information about the closures, contact the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District at 541-383-5300.