By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
WALLOWA COUNTY – (Release from the U.S. Forest Service) The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest continues to implement fire recovery efforts following the 2022 Double Creek Fire within Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The Forest has awarded a contract to remove burned trees and conduct road repairs along the Hat Point Road, Forest Road 4240.
The work includes cutting and removal of hazardous roadside dead and dying trees along the Hat Point and Warnack Corral Roads and road repair, such as road resurfacing and culvert replacements.
The work is expected to commence fall of 2023 and continue for up to two years. Final road work is expected to end no later than December 2025. Work will generally be conducted during late spring (when road opens from winter snow) until fall.
Because of the narrowness and steepness of the Hat Point Road, forest users may encounter delays and wait times while logging and maintenance activities are ongoing. Traffic may be delayed for up to an hour to allow log trucks and other heavy equipment traffic to safely travel the road or to complete tree falling and processing activities.
Forest visitors are encouraged to call or visit the Wallowa Mountains Office in Joesph, Oregon, 541-426-5546, to determine if they could expect travel delays while traveling the Hat Point Road.