BLM Vale District announces eclipse preparations
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VALE, Ore. – As part of the agency goal to provide a safe and secure environment for the public, employees, and public lands users, the Bureau of Land Management’s Vale District announced preparations for the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse.
The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center will open at 7 a.m. on August 21, 2017, and visitors will be allowed entrance until the parking lot fills. Regular fee schedules apply. The exhibits and programs will be available except during the eclipse between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. In addition, the Virtue Flat area will also be available for overflow traffic. However, public toilets will only be available at the interpretive center.
Employees will be roaming throughout the area in the days before and after the event should any questions or concerns arise. To report a wildfire call 541-473- 6295. For all other emergencies dial 911. The BLM Baker City Field Office may be contacted at (541) 523-1256 and the Vale District office may be contacted at (541) 473-6200 Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center may be contacted at (541) 523-1843 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week.
In addition, visitors planning to watch the solar eclipse on public lands in eastern Oregon are encouraged to practice safe and responsible land use at all times. Fire danger is extreme throughout the Vale District area and surrounding lands, and fire restrictions are in effect. Open campfires, charcoal briquettes, fireworks, and other incendiary devices such as exploding targets and sky lanterns are prohibited. Liquefied bottled gas stoves and heaters are permitted, provided they have a surrounding space of at least ten feet in diameter cleared of grass and other flammable vegetation before they are ignited.
Visitors are encouraged to exercise care when parking in dry grass areas, and to carry a shovel and or fire extinguisher at all times. All motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles must be equipped with approved and functioning spark arrestors. Off road travel is prohibited. Smokers are encouraged to use ashtrays and not dispose of cigarettes or matches into the rangeland.
Significant attendance is anticipated and local developed and remote camping sites and scenic or higher elevation viewing areas are anticipated to be densely occupied. Access roads also may be congested in the hours leading up to and following the eclipse. Visitors are reminded to pick up and remove any trash they generate, to avoid trespassing on private lands, and if camping near water, provide space for wildlife to drink.
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.