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Ellensburg, Wash. -- Effective Oct. 31, the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Big Pines recreation site within the Yakima River Canyon will be partially closed to camping. This is a seasonal closure that will be in effect each year until spring. There will still be 21 campsites available for public camping, but the remaining campsites will be closed to public use. BLM will implement this partial closure each year due to reduced off-season staffing and lower visitor use at this time of year. The closure will reduce the amount of maintenance needed at the site. Campsites at BLM's Umtanum, Lmuma Creek and Roza recreation sites will continue to remain open during the off-season.

Visitors may also notice picnic tables along the river's edge at Lmuma Creek, Big Pines and Roza have been removed and are centrally located at each site. This is to reduce the likelihood of damage to these facilities from high water and flooding in the winter and early spring. All tables will be returned to their places after spring high water. Thank you for your patience, and we hope you enjoy BLM's recreation sites during the quieter, off-season months.

During the less busy season (September 16 through May 14), reservations are not necessary for camping, but camping and day use fees are still charged. The fee rates have not changed and are $15 per site per night for camping and $5 per vehicle for day use. Day use permits may be purchased at onsite self-pay registration stations. An Annual Use Permit sticker, which covers day use, is also available for purchase from the Wenatchee BLM Field Office, the Chamber of Commerce’s in both Ellensburg and Yakima, or at Red’s Fly Shop located in the Yakima River Canyon. For more information, please contact the BLM Wenatchee office at 915 North Walla Walla Avenue, Wenatchee, Washington 98801 or call (509) 665-2100.

Additional information about recreation opportunities at BLM’s Yakima River Canyon Recreation Sites can be found at: http://on.doi.gov/1mmUCzU