May 12, 2026 3:20 a.m. 

The Bureau of Land Management, in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, will implement a temporary motorized vehicle restriction at the North Bank Habitat Management Area from June first through July 15th, to protect Columbia white-tailed deer during peak fawning season.

The entrance gate to the Comstock Day-Use Area will be temporarily closed to motorized vehicle access to reduce disturbance to the deer, particularly within the critical Jackson Creek drainage fawning habitat. Recent monitoring has identified declines in their population, prompting these temporary measures.

Visitors may continue to enjoy the area on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback, via alternative access points. Pedestrian access will remain open 24 hours a day.

BLM Acting Swiftwater Field Manager, Werner Krueger said, “Protecting Columbian white-tailed deer during their most sensitive season is essential to maintaining a healthy population. By reducing motorized disturbance, we’re working together to support long-term conservation of this unique species and its habitat”.

Visitors can continue to enjoy the North Bank HMA through these alternative access options:

*West Entrance with parking for up to 10 vehicles and 5 horse trailers

*Talburt Trailhead with parking for up to 6 vehicles or up to 2 horse trailers

This seasonal restriction, combined with ongoing and future habitat improvement efforts, is expected to support the recovery and resilience of the CWTD population.

For more information, contact the Roseburg District BLM Office at 440-4930.