Wildfire damage means part of Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge will remain closed until next June

LAKEVIEW, Ore. (KTVZ) – The nearly month-old Warner Peak Fire is now 100% contained, but over 82,000 acres of the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge will remain closed through June 15, 2025, due to the extensive wildfire damage and the potential threat of invasive species, officials said late last week. 

On Aug. 5, a lightning strike started the fire that quickly spread to over 65,000 acres – nearly 24% of the refuge. Both Post Meadows and Hot Springs campgrounds had significant damage, especially in the riparian areas and surrounding seasonal roads. 

Warner Pond will be closed, as well as several roads: Blue Sky; Barnhardy; Skyline Drive; Martin Canyon; South Boundary; and Hart Lake Road. 

Beginning Sept. 2, visitors will have access to 186,000 acres of the refuge, including Hart Mountain Road, Frenchglen Road, Camp Hart Mountain Campground, Shirk Road, Flook Lake Road, and Poker Jim Ridge. Before visiting, please clean vehicles to prevent invasive weeds from entering the refuge, which affects sagebrush rehabilitation. 

“Refuge staff are incredibly grateful for the over 500 fire fighters, staff, and partners who helped contain the wildfire,” said Shannon Ludwig, project leader for Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge. “We are also grateful to our community for their support of the fire efforts and patience as we repair roads, campgrounds, and other infrastructure and wildlife habitat damaged in the fire.” 

The Service will work with partners to assess the burned areas and develop a rehabilitation plan that balances the needs of wildlife, habitat, and public recreational opportunities.

The 278,630-acre Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge was established in 1936 to protect habitat for remnant pronghorn herds. Subsequently, the refuge was mandated with providing habitat for other wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, sage grouse, coyotes, bobcats, and over 200 species of migratory birds.

If you have any questions about the temporary closure of portions of the refuge, please refer to https://www.fws.gov/refuge/hart-mountain-national-antelope, email staff at Sheldon-Hart@fws.gov, or call the Refuge at 541-947-2731. For in person or mail inquiries, the address is Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex at 20995 Rabbit Hill Road, PO Box 111, Lakeview OR 97630 from 8am-4pm Monday-Friday.

If you have questions about how this closure may affect hunt seasons in Hart Mountain NAR, please contact Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 541-883-5732.