BLM’s Priest Hole Recreation Site along John Day River to close until May for renovations, restoration

MITCHELL, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bureau of Land Management plans to begin upgrades to the Priest Hole Recreation Site on the John Day River on Tuesday, October 1. The site will be closed for public safety during the renovations, which is projected to last until May 2025.

The renovations will enhance visitor experience while improving fish and wildlife habitat, the BLM said Friday.

The project will establish 15 campsites with signs, fire rings and picnic tables, two group use sites with room for multiple vehicles and/or tents, and a vault toilet. Additionally, the BLM plans to plant and irrigate vegetation in 45 acres for screening and wildlife food and cover, including 20 acres of cottonwood and riparian shrubs along the John Day River. 

The BLM has partnered with the Wheeler Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to manage the construction and restoration contract.

“We are grateful for the partnership with Wheeler SWCD to make improvements in this beautiful recreation area,” said Kyle Hensley, Central Oregon Field Manager. “We could not do this project, or many others like it, without the in-depth support of our partners like Wheeler SWCD.”

“And we appreciate the public’s patience with the temporary closure,” Hensley continued. “Other BLM-managed developed recreation sites in the area will remain open.”

"Wheeler SWCD is excited for the Priest Hole Restoration project to be moving forward to the implementation phase," said Cassi Newton, Wheeler SWCD Manager. "Natural resources are the pride of Wheeler County, so it is important to ensure sustainable use of those resources by protecting and maintaining them for generations to come."

For more information about the Priest Hole site improvements, please call the Prineville District at 541-416-7600.

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.