Three years ago, a resident just west of Bend erected gates on his property, blocking access to the popular Forest Road 4606. Officials have since said they plan to build an alternative route around the private property, but putting equipment on site to build the road could still be another two years away.

Kaitlyn Webb, a spokesperson for the Deschutes National Forest, said planning work for the new road and a public comment period will likely take 18 to 24 months to complete. As a first step, the U.S. Forest Service needs to develop plans for the alternative route.

A National Environmental Policy Act review, known as a NEPA analysis, is then required to identify potential environmental impacts affecting biodiversity, environmental justice, air and water pollution, and other risks.

“Once a plan is finalized the Forest Service will be required to conduct a National Environmental Policy Act review process,” said Webb. “NEPA requires federal agencies to assess environmental effects of a proposed project before making implementation decisions.”

The Forest Service is partnering with Deschutes County to develop the alternate route.

Popular biking route

Before it was gated, Forest Road 4606 connected northwest Bend to Bull Springs Skyline Forest, a private timberland owned by Shanda Asset Management LLC. From Skyline Forest, the road continues northwest to Sisters. For years the dirt road was a popular biking route and back road to Sisters.

The landowner who closed the gates on his 750-acre property, orthopedic surgeon James Verheyden, said the closure was necessary to prevent violations on his land. At the time of closure, Verheyden cited vandalism, arson, poaching, dumping and illegal vehicle use as reasons to lock the gates. Roughly 3.5 miles of the road were gated where it crosses Verheyden’s land.

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Talks between the Forest Service and Verheyden to reopen the gates collapsed two years ago, and they remain closed. The plan being developed by the Forest Service and Deschutes County would see a new road built northwest of Verheyden’s property, allowing access to Forest Road 4606.

Last year the Forest Service was awarded $700,000 in federal funds to build the road bypassing the Verheyden property. Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang spearheaded the local effort to secure the federal grant.

Upgrading a Jeep track

According to preliminary details of the project, an existing jeep trail off Sisemore Road would be upgraded to a graded gravel road and meet Forest Road 4606 past Verheyden’s property. But moving the project forward has taken a backseat to more pressing issues.

“Staffing constraints are slowing the NEPA process down,” said Chang, explaining that hazardous fuels reduction work has been a priority for the Forest Service in recent months.

“The fuels reduction work is very urgent, so I am sympathetic,” said Chang.

A county-owned bridge in the area has a low weight rating and may need to be upgraded, said Chang, potentially adding costs to the project.

Shanda Asset Management has closed public access to its land. Earlier this year the company said it had closed the property to reduce wildfire risk. But closure of the Skyline Forest doesn’t end the plans for the new road.

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Jason Reindorp, a spokesperson for Shanda Asset Management, acknowledged that the Forest Service has an easement where the Forest Road 4606 traverses Skyline Forest.

“Roads that are tributary to the 4606 that traverse Shanda Asset Management ownership remain closed to all entry, motor vehicle or otherwise,” said Reindorp. “In other words, people are welcome to use the (Forest Road) 4606. They are not allowed to leave that road and travel on Shanda Asset Management property.”