Projects Aim to Protect Fish Lake and Ease Crowding at Scott Lake

MCKENZIE BRIDGE: Visitors to the Fish Lake Historic Site and the popular Scott Lake recreation area could soon see changes designed to make the forest safer and more accessible. The McKenzie River Ranger District is floating two proposals – one focused on wildfire resilience, the other on long-needed parking improvements.

At Fish Lake, the district is proposing to thin about 50 acres of old trees that surround the historic site. The stands, some nearly 400 years old, include towering legacy trees that locals and visitors alike treasure. But beneath them, a crowded understory of smaller firs and mixed conifers has grown up, creating what fire managers call “ladder fuels” – the very conditions that can turn a small blaze into a dangerous crown fire.

The plan calls for removing smaller, unhealthy trees while leaving bigger, fire-resilient ones in place. After thinning, crews would use prescribed underburning to reduce leftover slash and non-commercial fuels. District planners say the work would create safer evacuation conditions, protect the Fish Lake Remount Depot site, and give firefighters a better chance to defend the area if wildfire strikes.

Meanwhile, at Scott Lake – a popular summer destination for campers, hikers and day-trippers – the issue isn’t fire but parking. With only 18 campsites at the lakeside campground, and a heavily used trailhead that feeds into the Benson and Tenas trail system, parking spots fill quickly. Overflow cars often line the road, forcing families with backpacks and kids to navigate traffic.

It can get crowded on summer week when cars parked on both sides of the road can make it feel both crowded and unsafe.

The district’s proposal would add parking near both the campground and trailhead, providing safer access for visitors and ensuring enough room for emergency vehicles. Forest officials say the improvements would make a difference not only for everyday users but also in emergencies, when clear access for first responders can be critical.

Both projects are still in the planning phase, and the district will seek community feedback before moving forward. Comments will be accepted until October 24. They can be mailed to Jessica Reed, NEPA Planner, 57600 McKenzie Hwy, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413 or to SM.FS.R6comobj-WII@usda.gov