Fire Restrictions: BLM Urges Public Awareness Across Pacific Northwest - 06/22/26

PORTLAND, Ore. – Statewide fire restrictions remain in effect for all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Oregon and Washington, and many local regions have additional restrictions in place. BLM leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of all active restrictions and closures as warmer weather sets in around the Pacific Northwest.

“Every individual's choices directly impact community safety,” said Kim Prill, BLM Oregon/Washington Acting State Director. “Just one spark can start a wildfire.”

Visitors should research their destinations in advance, as restrictions vary by location and jurisdiction. The use of fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition (core or jacket), tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns remain prohibited. Many local restrictions address questions of when visitors can use power tools, what kinds of stoves or campfires are allowed, and what type of safety equipment to have on hand.

“Preventing human caused fires is one of the best ways we can all work together to keep our firefighters and our communities safe,” added Josh O’Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.

Looking for more ways to prepare for fire season?

Create defensible space around homes

Divide the area around your home into strategic, tiered zones. Start with a zero-fuel buffer immediately around your house and gradually reduce vegetation outwards. This dramatically reduces wildfire intensity, stops rapid flame spread, and protects your property from wind-blown embers. Learn more on the Firewise website.

Assemble a Go-Bag and evacuation plan

Gather essential documents, medications, food, and water for each family member in a portable bag. Pre-determine multiple evacuation routes out of your neighborhood and establish a family communication plan in case local cell towers lose power.

For more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 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.
 

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service conducts operations in close coordination with the Bureau of Land Management. As a unified federal entity under the Department of the Interior, the USWFS integrates expertise to streamline wildfire prevention, response and recovery under our shared mission to foster fire-resilient landscapes and safeguard communities across America’s public lands.

Public Meeting Announced As Mormon Cricket Swarms Confirmed In Lake County - 06/09/26

LAKEVIEW, Ore. – The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service  and the Bureau of Land Management will host a public meeting Wednesday in Adel to address the rising Mormon Cricket populations in Lake County.

Over the past two weeks, residents and county officials have reported heavy swarming activity over Highway 140 outside of Adel. Initial surveys completed by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service during the week of June 1 officially confirmed positive sightings of the crickets and officials now warn that the infestation is expanding. Mormon crickets can cause significant agricultural and ecological damage and create hazardous road conditions. The insects are flightless, shield-backed katydids that can travel up to a mile or two per day.

The BLM has formally requested treatment assistance from USDA APHIS Plant Protection & Quarantine and effective strategies on public rangelands that have demonstrated success in suppressing cricket populations.

How the Public Can Help

Community eyes on the ground are critical. Wildlife officials are updating infestation maps and urge the public to report any Mormon Cricket or major grasshopper swarms to sm.orghop@usda.gov.

Public Meeting Details

• When: Wednesday, June 10, 6pm
• Where: Adel Community Center/Elementary School, 18286 Twentymile Rd, Adel, OR 97620
• Purpose: To provide a status update, treatment strategies, share current maps, and hold a community information session.

All local landowners, ranchers, and concerned residents are strongly encouraged to attend.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 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.

TEST - 06/03/26

TEST TEST TEST 

BLM Seeks Input On Forest Management Project In Jackson County - 06/03/26

MEDFORD, Ore – The Bureau of Land Management is asking the public for input on a proposed forest management project to increase wildfire protection in the Applegate and Lake Creek areas in Jackson County. The Douglas fir Mortality Complex Environmental Assessment proposes salvage timber sales to remove dead and dying trees, as well as thinning potential fire fuels.

“This project would make the forest—and the timber it could produce in the future—more resilient to fire, drought, and insects,” said Lauren Brown, Ashland Field Manager.

The BLM remains committed to supplying a secure, resilient domestic timber supply. In western Oregon, this commitment is rooted in the Oregon and California Revested Lands Sustained Yield Management Act of 1937. Selling the salvaged timber provides revenue to the 18 O&C counties, and helps offset the cost of the fire mitigation work.

Today, the BLM started a 30-day public comment period to receive public input on the environmental assessment. To stay up to date on the project and to leave a comment, the public should visit the BLM NEPA Register at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/Project-Home/?id=468d6bf4-a7f2-f011-8407-001dd80bcf93

-BLM-

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.

TEST - 06/03/26

TEST TEST 

Race Prompts Temporary Closure Of Portions Of Millican Plateau, North Millican OHV Trail Systems (Photo) - 06/02/26

PRINEVILLE, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management will temporarily close portions of the Millican Plateau and North Millican off-highway vehicle trail systems June 5-7 for an annual side-by-side race. The racecourse and several access points into the area will be closed for the safety of participants and the public.

Security personnel will be stationed at entrance points along the racecourse throughout the weekend. Flaggers and signage will also be present along George Millican Road and at entrance points on the racecourse. Please see attached map for trail closure details.

“We’re committed to providing recreation opportunities while keeping everyone safe,” said Lisa Clark, Deschutes Field Office Manager. “With more than 250 miles of trails within the Millican Plateau, North Millican, and South Millican OHV Trail Systems, visitors can still access a wide range of riding locations during the event.”

Alternate trail systems include the South Millican OHV Trail System, located south of Highway 20 from George Millican Road, and the Cline Buttes area west of Redmond. 

The high-quality trails and facilities within the Millican Valley OHV Trail System are collaboratively managed by the Central Oregon Combined Off Highway Vehicle Operations (COHVOPS). COHVOPS is a partnership which includes the Prineville District BLM, Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, and Oregon Parks and Recreation ATV Program.

For questions about the trail closures, please contact the Prineville District office at (541) 416-6700.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 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.

Fire Restrictions: Stay Vigilant This Summer To Reduce Human-caused Wildfires - 06/01/26

PORTLAND, Ore. – Statewide fire restrictions remain in effect for all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Oregon and Washington, and many local regions have additional restrictions in place. BLM leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of all active restrictions and closures as warmer weather sets in around the Pacific Northwest.

“Every visitor to public lands can take additional precautions to lower the risk of starting a fire,” said Kim Prill, BLM Oregon/Washington Acting State Director. “Just one spark can start a wildfire.”

Visitors should research their destinations in advance, as restrictions vary by location and jurisdiction. The use of fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition (core or jacket), tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns remain prohibited.

“Preventing human caused fires is one of the best ways we can all work together to keep our firefighters and our communities safe,” added Josh O’Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.

Many local restrictions address questions of when visitors can use power tools, what kinds of stoves or campfires are allowed, and what type of safety equipment to have on hand.

Vehicle Maintenance and Parking Safety
As roadside brush dries out, vehicles become a primary source of accidental ignitions. Drivers are urged to properly maintain their vehicles and avoid parking or idling on tall, dry grass. Even without a spark, the intense heat from a vehicle's exhaust system or catalytic converter can ignite vegetation beneath the car in a matter of seconds. Motorists should stick to established roads, gravel turnouts, or cleared parking areas.

Safe Towing and Equipment Practices
Towing trailers or driving recreational vehicles requires extra vigilance during fire season. Motorists must ensure that tow chains are properly secured and not dragging on the pavement. Loose metal links striking the highway create a continuous stream of sparks that can easily ignite the roadside. Additionally, all off-highway vehicles, chainsaws, and portable generators operated on public lands should be equipped with a properly functioning spark arrestor to stop hot embers from escaping.

For more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 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.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service conducts operations in close coordination with the Bureau of Land Management. As a unified federal entity under the Department of the Interior, the USWFS integrates expertise to streamline wildfire prevention, response and recovery under our shared mission to foster fire-resilient landscapes and safeguard communities across America’s public lands.

BLM Announces Dates For Infrastructure Improvements In The Yakima Canyon - 05/28/26

BLM announces dates for infrastructure improvements in the Yakima Canyon

Multiple recreation sites to close temporarily in May/June for construction

WENATCHEE, Wash. – The Bureau of Land Management announces that construction will take place at Lmuma Creek Recreation Site, Liberty Recreation Site, Roza Campgrounds, and Big Pines Recreation Site this June. Specific dates below:

• Lmuma Creek Recreation Site: May 28 to June 3 (6 days) and June 10 to June 24 (14 days)
• Liberty Recreation Site: June 1 to June 5 (4 days)
• Roza Campgrounds: June 10 to June 24 (14 days)
• Big Pines Recreation Site: June 15 to June 29 (14 days)

To ensure public safety, there will be no public access to these sites or their accompanying boat ramps during the closure periods. All visitors are advised to plan ahead and use alternative boat ramps and camping facilities in the area during this time.

“We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as we complete these important improvements,” said Jon Meier, assistant Wenatchee field manager. “These upgrades will enhance safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience at these well-loved sites.”

The temporary closures are necessary to allow for critical improvements to campground infrastructure and boat ramp access. These upgrades are part of the BLM’s ongoing commitment to providing safe and enjoyable experiences for all visitors. Work crews and heavy equipment will be present, and access restrictions are required to ensure the safety of both workers and the public.

Improvements include reshaped campgrounds, boat ramp repairs, fresh gravel to improve site drainage and accessibility, new picnic tables and fire rings, alongside updated bulletin boards to provide better information for visitors.

For more information, please contact the BLM Wenatchee Field Office at (509) 665-2100.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 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.

BLM Announces Dates For Infrastructure Improvements In Okanogan County - 05/28/26

BLM announces dates for infrastructure improvements in Okanogan County

Multiple recreation sites to close temporarily in June for construction

WENATCHEE, Wash. – The Bureau of Land Management announces that construction will take place at Split Rock Day Use Area, Chopaka Lake Campground, and Palmer Mountain this June. Specific dates below:

• Split Rock Day Use Area: June 8 to June 23 (14 days)
• Chopaka Lake Campground: June 15 to June 18 (4 days)
• Palmer Mountain: June 18 to June 19 (2 days)

To ensure public safety, there will be no public access to these sites or their accompanying boat ramps during the closure periods. All visitors are advised to plan ahead and use alternative boat ramps and camping facilities in the area during this time.

“We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as we complete these important improvements,” said Jon Meier, assistant Wenatchee field manager. “These upgrades will enhance safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience at these well-loved sites.”

The temporary closures are necessary to allow for critical improvements to campground infrastructure and boat ramp access. The upgrades are part of the BLM’s ongoing commitment to providing safe and enjoyable experiences for all visitors. Work crews and heavy equipment will be present, and access restrictions are required to ensure the safety of both workers and the public.

Improvements include reshaped campgrounds, boat ramp repairs, fresh gravel to improve site drainage and accessibility, new picnic tables and fire rings, alongside updated bulletin boards to provide better information for visitors.

For more information, please contact the BLM Wenatchee Field Office at (509) 665-2100.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 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.