November 6, 2020 3:20 a.m.
The Umpqua National Forest has reduced the size of the Archie Creek and Thielsen Fire Closure areas effective immediately.
Mark Turney of the Forest Service said for the Thielsen Fire closure area, Diamond Lake will now be entirely outside of the fire closure area and will be available for the public seeking to recreate there. Developed campgrounds in the Diamond Lake area are closed for the season. The Mt. Thielsen Wilderness, Mt Thielsen Trail and trailhead, and the Dellenback Trail are all open to the public.
Turney said for the Archie Creek closure area Gravel Bin Boat Launch and Island Campground are now open. Also, a one quarter mile portion of the Mott section of the North Umpqua Trail, heading east, is now open primarily to allow access to those areas of the river. All facilities on the Mott Section of the NUT trailhead are now open. Turney said while the Forest Service is following all CDC guidelines for the cleaning of public spaces, the agency cannot guarantee a COVID free facility.
The Umpqua Hot Springs, fire lookouts, cabins and group picnic sites will all remain closed.
For more information call the Umpqua National Forest Supervisors Office at 957-3200 weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.