Camping restrictions could expand

Photo Courtesy USFS

Trash piles in the woods are causing officials to consider clamping down on areas where dispersed camping will be allowed.

MCKENZIE BRIDGE: Due to on-going damage to natural resources, the McKenzie River Ranger District is proposing expanding the camping restrictions near Cougar Reservoir and adding a new camping restriction adjacent to the lower McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. Officials say that in these locations, long-term campers have left large accumulations of garbage, food items, hazardous substances, improperly disposed of fecal waste, and damaged vegetation and soils. The new regulations would also prohibit campfires in these areas.

Many of the impacted sites are near popular recreational areas, such as the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail and Paradise Campground. Large and unsightly accumulation of trash and waste has resulted in complaints from recreationists.

“Our goal is to protect the resource,” said Terry Baker, McKenzie River District Ranger. “People can still enjoy the area during the day and there are many other camping opportunities on the forest.”

Near Cougar Reservoir, the existing restriction would expand from -mile from to -mile on either side of U.S. Forest Road 19 and include an expanded area surrounding Delta Campground and a small portion of National Forest land near the junction of Highway 126 and Forest Road 19.

The new camping restriction is proposed for a section along the lower McKenzie River National Recreation Trail.

The McKenzie River Ranger District is accepting public comments on the proposal until May 17th. Comments can be submitted directly at the ranger station, emailed to [email protected] or by calling 541-822-7234.

McKenzie River Reflections