The Deschutes National Forest has 2.5 million acres of forests. The forest is surrounded by residential areas, and there is a threat of wildfire. In an effort to reduce the risk wildfire, the National Forest Service is implementing a 26000 acre project. The project starts with logging and thinning of the area by removing dead and overcrowded trees. The next stage of the project include mowing down of recreational areas, trails, and other potential dangerous undergrowth. Finally, a prescribed fire will burn at least 234 acres of land. This project hopes to cut down on wildfires as well as increase tourism in the area. The thinning of the trees hopes to increase aesthetics. The project has some negative environmental affects however. The presence of the mowers (tractors) in the forest will disturb wildlife and will release emissions. The removal of the underbrush removes habitats and hiding places for animals. The thinning and removal of trees further removes and disturbs habitat.

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http://usparks.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=usparks&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fs.fed.us%2Fr6%2Fdeschutes%2F

http://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/1900719-151/forest-service-mowing-woods-west-of-bend#