The U.S. Forest Service continues to thin dense forest, clear illegal campsites and grind through brush and small trees southeast of Bend as part of a long-running effort to reduce wildfire fuels in the area. The work, part of the 32,565-acre Cabin Butte Forest Restoration Project, will require extending closures across much of the area through at least April 30, 2027. Public access, including camping and day use, remains prohibited within the closure. Since 2023, crews have treated thousands of acres through thinning, logging, mastication and prescribed burning. The effort also includes removing trash, abandoned vehicles and debris tied to long-standing dispersed camping and illegal dumping. Officials said the closure has been scaled back where fuels reduction work is complete, including areas west of U.S. Highway 97 set to reopen May 1. Additional temporary closures may occur as work continues.…