BLM seeks comments on proposed improvements, designated campsites at Priest Hole Recreation Site

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bureau of Land Management is asking for public input on a proposal to make improvements to the Priest Hole Recreation Site about 25 miles north of Mitchell, which has seen increased use and a resulting pollution problem. 

The Priest Hole Recreation Site, in the John Day Wild and Scenic Corridor, has experienced a steady increase in recreational use over recent years. The increase in use is polluting the river, the BLM said Friday.

The BLM’s proposed improvements include building new pull-through campsites and limiting camping to designated sites, with new picnic tables, fire rings, shade trees, and gravel pads. Designating campsites would eliminate the trash, ashes, and human waste washing into the river. The proposal also includes the addition of a toilet and group-use area, a universally accessible day-use area, and parking lots.

“These proposed upgrades will improve the overall visitor experience,” Amanda Roberts, Prineville District Manager, said. “The project expands public access while also helping to minimize impacts to the area’s important natural resources.”

The proposed improvements are included in the Priest Hole Site Plan Environmental Assessment. The BLM is now accepting public input on the proposals and whether the environmental effects of the project have been adequately considered. 

Interested people can provide comments during the 14-day public comment period, which started April 14. Substantive comments will help BLM officials identify any new information about the proposal before making a final decision.

All comments must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on April 28 to be considered. Written comments will be accepted at the address below or can be emailed to blm_john_day_river@blm.gov. Please include “Priest Hole Recreation Site Upgrade” on the envelope or in the subject line. 

   BLM Central Oregon Field Office 
   Central Oregon Field Manager 
   3050 NE 3rd Street 
   Prineville, OR 97754 

Comments can also be submitted directly to the ePlanning website. 

All comments, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available. People can ask to withhold personal identifying information from public review; however, it cannot be guaranteed.  

The documents are available on the BLM’s ePlanning website. The previously completed Priest Hole Site Plan Environmental Assessment is also available for review. You can request a copy of the documents or EA from the Prineville District Office by calling (541) 416-6700 on weekdays between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays.

For more information, please contact Anna Smith, Project Lead, at (541) 416-6700 or blm_john_day_river@blm.gov. 

People in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services offered within their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in the United States.

-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.