LA PINE, OR -- Several campgrounds near the Newberry Caldera will close early for the season, to allow crews to remove potentially dangerous trees. Summer campsite reservations for East Lake Campground will end Monday, but first-come-first-serve camping will be allowed until work begins. After September third, Little Crater and Cinder Hill Campgrounds will stop taking reservations for the season.

The “Shield” forest management project at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument will continue through the fall. It's aimed at removing trees that exhibit signs of "future failure" from campgrounds and along roads. The Forest Service marked trees last summer, identifying those at risk from insect infestations and disease. Although, officials say they do not pose an immediate hazard. Trees that imminently threaten visitors are removed each year. 

Work will occur again through 2020, and could impact campground reservation availability next year, as well. For more on the Shield project, click HERE.