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Know Before You Go: Why is the Japanese Bomb Site Trail Closed?
Release Date: Oct 18, 2017
Contact(s): Chamise Kramer, Public Affairs Specialist, 541.618.2051
Brookings, OR – The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest continues to have marked area closures in place across the Forest due to activities in burn areas, and those closed areas include many beloved recreation sites on the west side of the Chetco Bar Fire. Forest and Fire personnel continue to assess the areas for safety concerns, and to develop strategies to move towards opening those areas up to public visitation and use as quickly as possible
One particular area that has been seeing an increasing number of visitors is the Japanese Bombing Site Trail on the Gold Beach Ranger District, which is among the sites currently closed for public health and safety while trail and area rehabilitation is ongoing. The interpretive trail provides access to and tells the tale of the Wheeler Ridge Japanese Aerial Bombing Site, the location of the first bombardment by enemy aircraft of the United States. It is one of only two such aerial incidents ever to occur on mainland American soil.
While the RRSNF recognizes that people are curious to see what their beloved recreation sites look like following the fire, the Forest would like to remind people that the temporary closures are that: temporary. Once identified hazards are cleared, the public will once again be encouraged to visit these places on their public lands. But for now, the health and safety of both the public and personnel working in these areas is critically important, and the Forest is asking for the public’s patience and continued adherence to these closures.
Forest visitors should contact the appropriate Ranger District ahead of their visit to ensure their destination is open. Current closures are listed, by incident, on the RRSNF’s website. Additionally, the RRSNF encourages people to follow the Forest on both Twitter and Facebook for the latest information regarding ongoing fires and changes to area closures.