Corps of Engineers eases restrictions at some NW recreation sites
PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District said Thursday it is relaxing restrictions at some recreation sites in Oregon and Washington as the first phase in a gradual relaxing of closures at Corps locations.
Unless specifically stated as being open in the list below, Corps-managed recreation sites remain closed at this time.
* These sites in the list below had restrictions relaxed May 5th, as outlined in this previous news release: www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Media/News/Article/2176443/
The day use recreation areas relaxing restrictions are:
BONNEVILLE LOCK & DAM
Fort Cascades, Washington*
Hamilton Island, Washington*
North Shore Recreation Area, Washington*
Tanner Creek Recreation Area, Oregon
THE DALLES LOCK & DAM
Avery Park, Washington*
Celilo Park, Oregon - Boat Ramp only (Park is closed)
Hess Park, Washington
North Shore Recreation Area, Washington*
Spearfish Park, Washington
JOHN DAY LOCK & DAM
Cliffs Park, Washington - Day Use only
Giles French Park, Oregon - Day Use only
Lepage Park, Oregon - Boat Ramp only (Park is closed)
Plymouth Park, Washington - Boat Ramp*
Railroad Island Park, Washington*
Rock Creek Park, Washington*
Roosevelt Park, Washington*
Sundale Park, Washington*
Threemile Canyon Park, Oregon - Day Use Area
LOST CREEK LAKE
Lewis Road Trailhead
Lost Creek Trailhead
McGregor Park Boat Ramp
McGregor Park Fishing Access
Peyton Bridge Trailhead
Rivers Edge Fishing Access
Spillway Fishing Access
Takelma Park Boat Ramp (Park is closed)
Big Butte Mike Trailhead
William L. Jess Dam Recreation Area
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
Blue River Dam - Lucky Boy Viewpoint
Cougar Dam - Downstream Area and Viewpoint Area
Detroit Dam - Overlook
Dorena Dam - Bake Stewart Park, Harms Park, North & South Abutments
Fall Creek Dam - South Viewpoint and Tufti Park
Fern Ridge Dam - Jeans Park and East Kirk Park
Foster Dam - Andrew S. Wiley Park
Green Peter Dam - Billings Park, Whitcomb Bridge Park and North Shore Viewpoint
Hills Creek Dam - North and South Viewpoints
Lookout Point Dam - Landax Park and Signal Point Boat Ramp
The sites listed above are only open for day-use. Camping and overnight use is not permitted at this time. All visitor centers, playgrounds and group picnic sites remain closed. Visitors must comply with all park and vehicle rules and recreate responsibly by following safety guidelines to lessen the spread of COVID-19.
The Corps closed all recreation locations March 30 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and support the stay-at-home executive orders issued by the Oregon and Washington state governors.
Stay-at-home orders are still in place in Oregon and Washington and we encourage the public to continue following this guidance. We relaxed our recreation site restrictions at some sites to align with the Oregon and Washington governors limited reopening of state recreation areas for responsible use by local residents. In addition, both Oregon and Washington fish & wildlife departments opened hunting and fishing to non-residents, including Spring Salmon season for May 5, 7, 9 and 13.
“The health and safety of all visitors, partners, employees and their families is our top priority. We are in the early phases of gradually reopening some recreation sites, but we need your cooperation to keep these sites open,” said Melissa Rinehart, Portland District chief of natural resource management.
“Recreating has changed due to COVID-19. Please limit your travel to nearby locations and follow the guidelines we have put in place to promote a safe experience at our recreation sites.”
We ask the public follow these guidelines established by the Corps and the Oregon and Washington governor’s offices:
• Anyone exhibiting any cold or flu-like symptoms shall not participate in outdoor recreation activities.
• We may need to close any public park, land, trail or boat ramp if there is reason to believe an unsafe condition exists or social distancing practices are not being adhered to.
• People must recreate locally: Do not travel farther than necessary and do not stay overnight to recreate.
• Parking may be limited, but recreation users must park in designated spots.
• Limit your recreation partners to only those who live within your household unit.
• Always maintain a minimum six-foot social distance from other people in all areas including trailhead and boat ramp locations.
• Utilize facial coverings in any situation where social distancing is not possible.
• Do not gather in groups.
• Be considerate of other park visitors. Public restrooms are only as clean as the last user. Where restrooms are available, they may not have hand sanitizing stations. Bring your own personal protective supplies including hand sanitizer, soap, water, face mask, disinfectant wipes, etc.
• Bring your own food and supplies when possible to help protect others in your community.
• Wear a personal floatation device (life vest) if you are recreating on the water. At this time, Corps life jacket loaner stations are not available in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Corps will continually monitor guidance from state and local officials on the COVID-19 pandemic and update recreation conditions as information changes.
