News » Dry River Closure
Posted on 2/26/2008 by chris
A seasonal wildlife closure is in effect on high desert public lands east of Bend located on the Prineville District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
The temporary closure is located in Dry River Canyon, which is located north of State Highway 20 approximately 20 miles southeast of Bend. The closure is adjacent to Horse Ridge viewpoint and includes the entire canyon in addition to all public lands within one-quarter mile of the rim of the canyon.
The Dry River Canyon closure is effective February 1, 2008 and expires August 31, 2008. Wildlife biologists will periodically monitor the sensitive wildlife habitat that is protected by the closure and determine whether the closure area may be opened for public use at an earlier date than scheduled. Posted signs located adjacent to the closure will help the public identify and avoid the closed area.
If the areas can be reopened prior to August 31, the closure signs will be removed. Seasonal wildlife closures affect a very small percentage of the public land base that is accessible to the recreating public. The closure is a legal requirement directed by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to provide protection for sensitive wildlife. Under the authority of federal regulations, violators are punishable by a fine not to exceed $1000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months.
To view an electronic map of the Dry River Canyon closure area, visit the website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon
For additional closure information, contact BLM's Gavin Hoban at (541) 416-6879 or Gavin_Hoban@blm.gov.