Drivers heading into the Camp Sherman and Sisters Ranger District area this summer should expect increased log truck traffic on Forest Service roads 12 and 1290, after Warm Springs Timber Company LLC received approval from the U.S. Forest Service to begin hauling operations.
The work is scheduled to run through November 2026 and includes both log hauling and road maintenance. Motorists are advised to drive with caution, watch for heavy commercial vehicles, and be prepared for possible temporary delays or reduced speeds in active work zones — particularly during morning hours when traffic is heaviest.
Tribally Owned Enterprise
Warm Springs Timber Company LLC is a tribally-owned enterprise of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, established to manage the reservation's natural resources after the closure of the tribes' former sawmill. The company holds the exclusive right to purchase and manage reservation timber.
A company representative said it is "committed to conducting these operations safely and with minimal disruption to the public" and expressed appreciation for the cooperation of local residents, recreationists, and other forest users.
Economic Significance
The timber operation represents an important economic enterprise for the Warm Springs Reservation, which depends on a mix of tribal enterprises — including Indian Head Casino, Plateau Travel Plaza, and the timber company — to fund tribal government services and support community members.
The Camp Sherman area is popular with summer recreationists drawn to the Metolius River, a world-class fly-fishing destination that originates near Sisters and flows northward. Visitors should plan for the possibility of log truck encounters, especially on early-morning drives into the area.
For more information about the project, contact Eric Farm at eric.farm@wstribes.org.