LA PINE, OR -- The Cultus Lake boat ramp and day use area reopens at noon Friday. It was closed last month, along with the campground, because of several hundred hazardous trees.

The campground remains closed, but the boat ramp allows campers to access boat-in camp sites. Tree removal continues near the campground and visitors are warned to stay away from areas with heavy equipment. Cultus Lake Lodge remains open. 

Following the closure, Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) called on Deschutes National Forest Supervisor John Allen to provide answers. Walden released a statement Thursday, after learning the boat ramp would reopen: 

“After expressing my deep frustration with the initial closure of Cultus Lake, I was pleased to see the Forest Service went into high gear to find a better way forward. While no one disputed the need to protect campers from harm, shutting down the campground for the whole season didn’t make sense from a practical view. That is why as soon as I learned of the closure I put together a meeting and a tour of the campground with Forest Service and Cultus Lake officials to get a better sense of the situation on the ground. There’s more work to be done, but today’s announcement is an encouraging sign. I will continue to work alongside the Forest Service to help make sure this progress continues so the campground can open as soon as possible.”