Umpqua National Forest Temporarily Closes All Developed Recreation Sites
Release Date: Mar 27, 2020
Contact: Mark Turney, (541) 957-3270
The Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service has authorized the closures of developed recreation sites across Oregon and Washington. We are aligning our operations with the Governors' stay at home orders in both states.
To align with Governor Brown’s executive order directing people to stay home to save lives, the Umpqua National Forest has temporarily closed all developed recreation sites, to include campgrounds, day-use sites, boat ramps, trailheads, fire lookouts, and OHV areas. The closure order is in effect through September 30, 2020 unless rescinded earlier.
These recreation closures are necessary to address social distancing guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control, align with Oregon State Governor Kate Brown’s Executive Order to avoid unnecessary travel, including travel for recreational purposes, and reduce pressure on emergency services in local communities.
Campsites, fire lookouts, cabins, and picnic site reservations also are unavailable through Recreation.gov. Existing reservation holders will be notified if there are any changes affecting their reservation. Refunds will be issued for cancelled reservations.
"The health and safety of the public and employees is our number one concern,” said Alice Carlton, Umpqua National Forest Supervisor. “This is foremost in our mind as we coordinate with County and State leadership through this crisis.”
We are continuing Timber Sales and many other forest activities, using methods that will meet the county, state and Federal guidelines. We are committed to continuing to support our communities, local emergency services, and fulfill our mission as we all work together to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19.
Offices across the Umpqua Forest are currently conducting public business by phone, email, or web-based transactions.
The Umpqua National Forest will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and evaluate potential impacts to the forest. To align with Oregon state public land agencies, the recreation site closures will extend through at least the closures are authorized through Sept. 30 but can be rescinded earlier.
Please remember to review current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and focus on protecting yourself, your family, and your community.