May, 9 2020 10:00 a.m.
Officials with the Umpqua National Forest have announced the first phase of reopening the forest to recreational users
Most trail heads and some boat ramps on the forest have been reopened to the general public for use.
Mark Turney from the Forest Service said the boat ramps remaining closed have not been cleared from winter debris or are located within areas designated as closed under the current Regional Closure Order. The trailhead to the Umpqua Hot Springs remains closed.
Turney said reservations for campsites, fire lookouts, cabin and picnic sites remain unavailable. Existing reservation holders will be notified if there are changes affecting their reservation. Refunds will be issued for all cancelled reservations.
Turney said to align with Governor Brown’s executive order directing people to stay home to save lives, the Umpqua National Forest will continue the closure of all other developed recreation sites.
The Forest Service release said the public should be cautious while recreating outdoors and not take any undue risks.
Umpqua National Forest Supervisor Alice Carlton said while they are happy to begin the process to reopen previously closed areas of the forest, “the health and safety of the public, and employees remains our number one concern”.
The release said some facilities such as vault bathrooms remain open for public use, but will not be maintained as employees do not have the proper personal protective equipment necessary to ensure their safety. Members of the public wishing to utilize those facilities should do so at their own discretion, and must take all necessary precautions to ensure their own personal health and safety.
For a complete list of boat ramps, both opened and closed check the Umpqua National Forest website using this link: https://bit.ly/3chpx1H .