Project: Public Land Stewards China Hat Clean Up
Location: Oregon
Description: On Saturday, July 19, 2025, approximately 50 volunteers came together along China Hat Road to support the Forest Service in an important restoration effort within a designated closure area of the Deschutes National Forest. Over the course of four hours, volunteers worked to assist the Forest Service in launching the early stages of a multi-year NEPA project aimed at cleaning, rehabilitating, and ultimately reopening an area long impacted by misuse.
Participants removed 30,000 pounds of debris, addressed damage within the closure zone, and helped prepare the landscape for future phases of restoration and assessment. Their efforts marked a critical first step in a long-term project that will improve public access, protect habitat, and restore the ecological health of the area.
This cleanup highlighted the importance of collaboration between land managers and stewardship organizations and demonstrated the dedication of volunteers who are committed to restoring and protecting Oregon’s public lands.
Thank you to the partners who made this possible:
• Public Land Stewards
• Discover Your Forest
• U.S. Forest Service
“The volunteer turnout and the progress made during this cleanup show how much the community cares about restoring and protecting this area. This event laid essential groundwork for a multi-year project that will ultimately reopen and revitalize the China Hat landscape.”-Grace Schuessler, Tread Lightly! Oregon Program Manager
Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.
