Bureau of Land Management seeks input on Roseburg area recreation site plans
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Roseburg, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is developing plans to restore and improve recreation areas along the North Umpqua River and Rock Creek. These sites were heavily damaged by the 2020 Archie Creek Fire. The BLM will host open house meetings in the area, inviting the public to provide feedback on the project proposals.
“Robust public participation will help the BLM develop strong restoration and redevelopment proposals. We look forward to hearing from the community on our preliminary plans,” said Mike Korn, Swiftwater Field Manager.
The preliminary proposals include addressing visitor parking capacity and safety issues, expanding camping opportunities for recreational vehicles, and identifying trail opportunities that will be available to the public.
BLM planners invite the public to attend the following open houses to learn about and provide comments on the proposals:
Thursday, October 19: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Millpond Recreation Area 22 miles east of Roseburg on Highway 138. Six miles east of Glide, turn north on Rock Creek Road (County Road 78). Travel five miles to the campground.
Friday, October 20: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Susan Creek Day Use Area 29 miles east of Roseburg on Highway 138. The day-use area is on the right side of the highway.
Saturday, October 21: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Swiftwater Trailhead – South 23 miles east of Roseburg on Highway 138. Turn right and cross Swiftwater Bridge just before the Swiftwater Day-Use Area. Travel for 0.2 miles and the site is on the left side of the road.
The open houses will not include a formal presentation. The public is invited to attend at any time during the open house hours to learn more about the project. BLM staff will be available to discuss the relevant site considerations, provide an overview of the preliminary proposals, and provide the public with an early opportunity to help the BLM identify issues that the plans should seek to address.
The BLM will also consider written public input to develop the North Umpqua Recreation Site Improvement Environmental Assessment (EA). For those who are unable to attend the open houses, more information on the proposals can be found on the BLM’s ePlanning website at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2026543/510. The public may also submit comments through this website by clicking the “Documents” tab on the left and selecting “Participate Now” next to the scoping letter document.
Comments may also be submitted via email to BLM_OR_RB_Mail@blm.gov or by mail to BLM, ATTN: Mike Korn, 777 NW Garden Valley Blvd., Roseburg, OR 97471. Please identify “North Umpqua Recreation Site Improvement EA” in the subject line of any emails regarding the project.
All comments must be postmarked no later than November 27, 2023, to be considered. The BLM will consider the public input to refine its preliminary proposals prior to releasing the EA for another round of public comment prior to finalizing the plans.
Additional information about the Roseburg District can be found at: https://www.blm.gov/office/roseburg-district-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.