Who’s Spiking Forest Roads in Southern Oregon? Search Continues

Rogue Forest Standoff

Southern Oregon authorities began investigating the intentional spiking of forest roads in the Rogue National Forest in August of 2022. Across two incidents, homemade road spikes were found on forest roads 27 and 45. Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest identified four flat tires from the first incident, and two from the second. No subsequent damage has been reported since.

Forest Service spokesperson Chamise Kramer confirmed that the Jackson County Sheriff's Office is working with the U.S. Forest Service to investigate the incidents. No suspects or motives have been identified at this time.

A History of Road Spiking

While tree spiking and logging equipment sabotage have been reported in the past, road spiking specifically is a relatively new and risky tactic. Previously, suspects would drive large nails or spikes into trees to deter logging. In this case, “homemade road spikes” were found in the road. By placing these traps along main forest roads, more than just logging trucks and equipment are at risk — these spikes are indiscriminately dangerous to anyone driving in the area.

The Rogue National Forest remains open to the public in the meantime. The Forest Service asks that anyone who sees any suspicious activity report it to law enforcement.

Intentional Acts

There are no known groups or individuals who have claimed responsibility for spiking forest roads in the Rogue National Forest. However, authorities have noted that the forest has been the site of logging protests in the past. In 2021, protesters occupied forest roads in an attempt to stop a logging project.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the road spiking incidents are related to these previous protests. However, the Forest Service is asking the public to avoid speculating about who may be responsible. They urge anyone with information to contact law enforcement.

Ongoing Investigation

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest’s investigation remains ongoing. Law enforcement is looking for information about these incidents, including any suspicious activity, suspicious vehicles, or suspicious individuals seen in the area.

If you have any information, please contact the Jackson County Sheriff's Office at (541) 774-6600 or the Forest Service at (541) 472-3445.