MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — Officials with the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest have delayed the annual opening of many mountain roads to prevent the spread of a tree disease.
Phytophera lateralis, commonly known as Port Orford cedar root disease, spreads through transportation of infected water, soil and root grafts. The Mail Tribune reports that soil from the tires of motorized vehicles, particularly trucks and off-road vehicles, is believed to have spread the disease.
Stephen Boyer says many remote forest roads on the west side of the forest won’t reopen until the weather turns dry.
The closures include many remote roads in the Wild Rivers, Gold Beach and Powers ranger districts.
