Court order restores public access to Teaters Road
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Prineville, Ore. — A federal district court issued an order on May 17, 2022, requiring Waibel Ranches to allow the public and the government the use of Teaters Road. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Prineville District is pleased to announce that the gates blocking Teaters Road were opened on Wednesday, June 1st, and will remain open in line with the federal court’s order.
Teaters Road provides a direct connection between Hwy 380 north to the BLM North Fork Crooked River area and the Ochoco National Forest. These areas provide numerous recreational opportunities and are important for timber production. Teaters Road also provides the only public access to a 160-acre “island” parcel of BLM-administered public land.
“Maintaining legal, public access to public lands is important to the BLM,” said acting District Manager Mike Decker. “The court’s order restores public access to well-loved recreation destinations and important timber production areas.”
The ability of the public to use Teaters Road will be welcome news for those affected by the temporary closure of the Forest Service 42 Road.
The Prineville District appreciates the support it has received from both the public and many key partners throughout the effort to restore access to Teaters Road. Those partners include the United States Attorney’s Office, Ochoco National Forest, Crook County Court, Oregon Hunters Association, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
The public is reminded to be respectful when using Teaters Road to access the federal public lands. Teaters Road is bordered by private land owned by Waibel Ranches. Members of the public should drive slowly and be mindful of the presence of cattle.
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.