Gate Closure Investigation Concludes
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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Law Enforcement has conducted an investigation associated with the status of the gate on BLM Road # 34-8-36. Based on that investigation, BLM has determined that the gate was not locked or closed by the BLM on November 1, as previously reported. There is no evidence to confirm vandalism to this gate. The gate was closed and locked on December 6 by a Josephine County Sheriff's deputy under contract with the BLM. During the search for the Kim family, it was originally reported that a lock to the BLM closure gate had been vandalized on BLM Road # 34-8-36. The BLM took immediate action to investigate this issue. On November 25, 2006 the Kim family headed towards Bear Camp Road (Forest Road # 23) and were found on BLM Road # 34-8-36. Mr. Kim's body was found in the vicinity on Wednesday, December 6, 2006. BLM Acting State Director Jim Kenna announced that BLM will immediately initiate an internal review of policies and procedures related to road access in these remote areas.
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.