The Sisters Ranger District wants to close 16.9 miles of forest roads, most of them in the Trout Creek/Black Crater area.

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The proposed road closure is designed to protect wildlife habitat "and as part of an on-going strategy to reduce road densities on the forest," according to an environmental assessment.

In the Trout Creek/Black Butte area, 17 roads were marked for closure. Road 1190 on Green Ridge is also set for closure, but it would be gated at the junction of Road 900 to allow continued access to the Castle Rock overlook.

The Two Springs Road, 1237, is proposed for a seasonal closure, open from August to November. That would allow access during deer and elk seasons.

The proposal is part of a Deschutes National Forest master plan, which calls for a comprehensive road management strategy because "conflict between roads and wildlife is a major issue."

Roads reduce the amount of usable habitat for wildlife, according to the environmental assessment on the proposal. The assessment notes that increased motor vehicle traffic and use by humans triggers the flight/fight response in animals creating physical stress.

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According to the assessment, roads also break up habitat into smaller blocks. Some species benefit from this, but those who need continuous blocks of territory suffer.

A final decision on the proposal is due by December 19. A copy of the environmental assessment is available at the Sisters Ranger District. A 30-day public comment period runs from November 6 through December 5.