Road Work Planned for Skull Creek Area Northwest of Hines
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Hines, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management strives to provide quality access to public lands in Harney County. This fall, an extensive road maintenance project is planned northwest of Hines. The project includes approximately four miles of Horton Mill Access Road, eight miles of Willow Reservoir Road, and 20 miles of Skull Creek Road.
Heavy equipment will be in the area for several weeks beginning in October. Periodic closures or temporary delays may occur without notice. Drive through access will be provided as much as possible.
“This road network has a long history of public use,” said Jeff Rose, BLM Burns District Manager. “The Skull Creek Road itself has been around since 1908 and is a main access point for 40,000 acres of public land.”
Wet season use and maintenance backlogs have resulted in deep ruts and drainage system damage. Planned improvements include adding surface rock where needed and grading. Drainage restoration work like cleaning, repairing or replacing culverts, removing vegetation, and restoring or reshaping shoulder surfaces will also take place.
BLM’s network of roads, bridges, and trails is an integral part of the western American infrastructure. It provides access for recreation, commercial activities, and administrative operations, including wildfire management, wild horse and burro gathers, and conservation efforts. A well-maintained, well-connected transportation system is essential to making these activities possible.
To see a map of the area or with questions, visit the Burns BLM office at 28910 Hwy 20 W in Hines.
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.