Bureau of Land Management opens lands closed for 2020 Labor Day Fires
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SALEM, Ore. – Friday, April 28, the Bureau of Land Management will reopen the last public lands closed after the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire.
"While we're happy to be lifting these closures, there are still many hazards that remain in the burned areas,” said Dennis Teitzel, Northwest Oregon District Manager. “When returning to enjoy these areas, please be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking or parking in areas with fire weakened trees.”
BLM crews have worked diligently over more than two years to improve the safety of the fire-damaged area east of Springfield. They have removed weakened, dead, and dying trees along the gravel portions of Goodpasture Road and Mt. Hagen Rd (2611). These roads are now open to the public.
Visitors should continue to use extra caution within the burned areas. Conditions could still be dangerous, including falling trees and limbs, loose rock, ash and dust, and unstable soils. Burned areas may also be more fragile and susceptible to damage from use. All laws protecting public lands and resources from damage or unauthorized use remain in place; violators can be prosecuted, and convictions can lead to fines or imprisonment.
The lands are reopened to the public as of at 12:01am on Friday, April 28, 2023. This change does not impact the status of any other BLM closure or fire restriction orders.
Ongoing fire restrictions are listed at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.
For more information, please contact your closest BLM office.
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.