March 30, 2020 3:25 a.m.
Staff with the Umpqua National Forest have temporarily closed all developed recreation sites as part of a Forest Service closure of those sites across Oregon and Washington.
A release said the local office is aligning its operations with the Governor’s stay at home orders in both states.
The closure includes campgrounds, day-use areas, boat ramps, trailheads, fire lookouts and other areas. The release said the closure order is in effect until the end of September but can be rescinded earlier.
Reservations for any sites are unavailable. Existing reservation holders will be notified if there are changes affecting reservations. Refunds will be issued for canceled reservations.
Umpqua National Forest Supervisor Alice Carlton said “the health and safety of the public and our employees is our number one concern”. She said “this is foremost in our mind as we coordinate with County and State leadership through this crisis”.
Timber sales and many other forest activities are continuing using methods that meet current guidelines.
Offices across the Umpqua Forest are currently conducting public business by phone, email, or web-based transactions.