BLM reopening Lower Deschutes, John Day access, campgrounds on Thursday

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- With the lifting of public health and safety restrictions enacted by local, county and state officials, recreational access on public lands managed by the Prineville District, Bureau of Land Management is increasing in many locations throughout Central Oregon. 

Beginning Thursday, visitors will be able to access the following sites:

The Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River: All launches and take-outs for the Lower Deschutes River managed by the BLM will reopen beginning Thursday. Trip leaders holding boater passes to launch Thursday and later will be able to run their trips with the following restriction:

• Segments 1 & 2:  At this time, Harpham and Sandy Beach launches are not available for put-in or take-out.  Recreational boating for Segment 2 from Maupin City Park to Sandy Beach is not available and recreational floating is closed for this portion of the river.  
• Trip leaders holding boater passes that include Harpham Flat or Sandy Beach between May 21st and June 1st must choose an alternate launch and/or take-out or request their pass be canceled and refunded.  
• Alternate launches include: Wapinitia, Nena, Long Bend or Maupin City Park (note: Maupin City Park has an extra $5 per boat launch or take-out fee).
• Maupin City Park is now the LAST take-out available for Segment 2 before Sherars Falls. ALL BOATS MUST EXIT AT OR BEFORE MAUPIN CITY PARK.
• Trip leaders can change a launch or take-out in the same Segment through Rec.gov without an additional transaction fee.  If a change is needed in a different segment, please contact the BLM at (541) 416-6700.

All dispersed and designated campgrounds along the Lower Deschutes will reopen for overnight use on the same date. BLM boater passes limit group size to a maximum of 16 people in Segments 1, 3B (Pine Tree to Macks Canyon) & 4; and 24 in Segment 2 & 3A (Buckhollow to Pine Tree). Boating groups may not combine at any time if this number would be exceeded.

The John Day Wild and Scenic River: All launches and take-outs for the John Day River will reopen beginning Thursday. Trip leaders holding permits to launch Thursday and later will be able to run their trips. Group size will be limited to 16, and boating groups may not combine at any time if this number would be exceeded.

Campgrounds in the Cline Buttes, Crooked River Ranch and Lower Crooked River Areas: campgrounds will reopen to overnight use in the North Barr, Buckhorn, Steelhead Falls, Big Bend, Palisades, Chimney Rock, Post Pile, Cobble Rock, Castle Rock, Stillwater and Lone Pine locations.

he health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. On the Prineville District, we will continue to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and to regularly monitor these. We continue to work closely with the Department of the Interior and follow CDC guidance to ensure public and employee spaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers. 

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, practice social distancing and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating on public lands prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.  

Details and updates on operations will continue to be posted on our website at https://www.blm.gov/oregon-washington/covid-access-restrictions and social media channels. Updates about BLM operations will be posted on www.blm.gov.