BLM closing public lands north of Bend

BEND, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management will temporarily close about 40 acres of public land between Bend and Redmond, beginning June 1 until a date to be determined due to growing public health, safety, and environmental concerns caused by unauthorized long-term non-recreational camping. 

The closure affects land on both the east and west sides of Highway 97 and north of the overpass.  During the closure, people are prohibited from entering the area for any reason including hiking, driving, mountain biking, and dispersed camping. “This area wasn’t designed for long-term use,” said Lisa Clark, Deschutes Field Manager. “Over the years, we’ve seen accumulation of trash and human waste, the creation of unauthorized routes, fence damage, and loss of native vegetation. These impacts pose risks to both people and the land.”

A map detailing the closed areas can be found on the Bureau of Land Management’s Fire Restrictions page.

Dispersed camping for up to 14 days is generally allowed on BLM-administered lands.

“Public lands are open for everyone to enjoy, and short-term camping typically doesn’t cause lasting harm,” Clark said. “But when people stay well beyond that and ignore the rules, the damage adds up quickly. We do everything we can to avoid closing areas, but in this case, the conditions have become unsafe and unsustainable. We were left with no choice.”

BLM staff will assess the site after the closure begins to determine the extent of the damage and develop a plan for repairs, restoration and determine a re-opening date.

For further inquiries, please contact the Deschutes Field Office at 541-416-6700.