BLM restores access to Page Springs and Chickahominy Reservoir recreation sites
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Hines, Ore. – With the recent easing of public health and safety restrictions in Oregon, the Bureau of Land Management announced that Page Springs Campground at the base of Steens Mountain and Chickahominy Reservoir Campground near Riley returned to full service on May 16, 2020. Overnight camping is again permitted. The South Steens Loop Road is also now open, providing visitor access and use up to South Steens Campground.
A return to full operations at the BLM’s Burns District Office and Wild Horse Corral Facility will continue to be phased and services may be limited. The BLM is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a case-by-case basis.
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At our campgrounds, the operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and to regularly monitor these. We continue to follow CDC guidance to ensure public and employee spaces are safe and clean for all users.
When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, practice social distancing and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating on public lands prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Details and updates on operations will continue to be posted on BLM Oregon/Washington’s website at www.blm.gov/oregon-washington and social media channels. Phone inquiries are always welcome at our local office by calling (541) 573-4400.
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.