BLM reminder: Public access to Teaters Road remains open, under federal court order
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Prineville District BLM managers reminded the public Friday that Teaters Road outside of Prineville remains open for public access, the result of a legal dispute a few years ago that landed in federal court.
"Maintaining legal, public access to public lands is important to the BLM,” said Amanda Roberts, BLM Prineville District manager. “We understand the public values this road because it provides access to well-loved recreation destinations and hunting areas.”
A federal district court issued an order in May 2022, requiring the private landowner to allow the public and the government the use of Teaters Road.
Teaters Road provides a direct connection between Highway 380 north to the BLM North Fork Crooked River area and the Ochoco National Forest. These areas provide numerous recreational opportunities and are important for timber production.
The road is often used by hunters this time of year to access hunting units in the area. Teaters Road also provides the only public access to a 160-acre “island” parcel of BLM-administered public land.
“Visitors need to remember that Teaters Road is bordered by private land,” said Roberts. “Please be respectful of our neighbors when you use Teaters Road to access public lands.”
Roberts also reminded the public to drive slowly and watch out for cattle. If the visitors encounter a closed gate, the gate should be closed again after opening and driving through.
The public is asked to call the Prineville District at (541) 416-6700 if they encounter locked gates or signs that proport to deny public access to Teaters Road.
