BLM Reminds Visitors to Plan Ahead for the Solar Eclipse
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PORTLAND, Ore. – With hundreds of thousands of visitors traveling across Oregon to view the solar eclipse, Bureau of Land Management officials encourage visitors to plan ahead. Before heading out, check local offices for updates on road closures and other restrictions due to wildfires and other emergencies.
Wildfires: There are currently 16 large wildfires burning in the Pacific Northwest. InciWeb provides information on current fire activity, closures, and evacuations. Smoke due to wildfires may impact air quality and visibility for eclipse viewing. Go to the Oregon Smoke Information blog for areas affected by wildfire smoke.
Camping: Dispersed camping within the Path of Totality is filling up quickly and is offered on a first come first serve basis. All reservable campgrounds have been filled. Because of extreme fire conditions, many recreation sites have banned campfires, charcoal fires, or any other type of open flame fires. Portable cooking stoves or lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel may be used in all areas. Additionally, some areas have restricted road and trail access.
Public Use Restrictions: Within the Path, the highest level of public use restrictions are in place on most federal lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and BLM. This means smoking is prohibited, except in vehicles, trailers, and developed recreation sites. Explosive targets and fireworks continue to be prohibited on all federal lands. The BLM is committed to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive.
Information: Some offices within the Path including the central Oregon BLM office in Prineville have extended office hours to address visitor questions. Recommended recreation site listings, maps, FAQs, and other eclipse related information can be found online at: https://www.blm.gov/solareclipse
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.