BLM, rancher, county work out Teaters Road access hours
Saying they wish to be “a good neighbor in the communities we serve,” the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management said Tuesday it has responded to a request from Waibel Ranches, LLC and Crook County to modify the existing agreement that would have opened Teaters Road to public travel on Tuesday.
BLM officials said t he change was based on public safety due to construction vehicles on the road, and the need for an emergency access route to the Ochoco National Forest during the period around the solar eclipse.
Beginning Tuesday, Teaters Road will be open Mondays through Thursdays, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. to allow evening and early morning public access during road construction. The road will open on Friday evenings at 6 p.m. and remain open through Monday mornings at 6 a.m. for full weekend access.
In addition, Teaters Road will be closed completely to public access from August 17 -24, to offer an uncongested route for emergency services vehicles to access the Ochoco National forest for rescues, medical needs and wildfire response during the days surrounding the solar eclipse.
In the event of an emergency, Waibel Ranches, LLC agreed to cease construction operations to allow unhampered access for emergency vehicles or designated evacuations.
For alternate access to the Prineville District North Fork Crooked River, visitors can travel south through the Ochoco National Forest on FS Road 4225. For more information about this closure or the Prineville District BLM, call (541) 416-6700 .
