Because of increasing wildfire risk, Sierra Pacific Industries will close public access to Oregon forestlands beginning Tuesday, July 1.

Sierra Pacific owns about 177,000 acres in Oregon, mostly in Lane and Douglas counties. The company also is closing access to its California forestlands beginning Tuesday.

In a press release, Sierra Pacific said it considers various risk factors when closing its lands to the public, including dry vegetation, low moisture levels, rising temperatures and long-range weather forecasts. The company has taken similar precautions in recent years, including last year.

During the closure, the use of Sierra Pacific roads and walk-in access to the company’s lands is prohibited.

Sierra Pacific roads shared with federal landowners and designated for public use will remain open, as will public roads that cross Sierra Pacific land.

For updates or more information, visit Sierra Pacific’s recreation access page or call the company’s Oregon Public Recreation Hotline: 541-762-3110.