Astoria, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Forestry is seeking comment on a pilot program creating a convenient online reservation system for Northrup Creek Horse Camp.

Under this pilot project, campers will reserve sites at this campground through Reserve America, the same reservation system used by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. All campsites at Northrup Creek Horse Camp will be reservation only; on-site registration at the campground will no longer be offered. From March 19-May 4, the public has the opportunity to comment on the proposed program as part of the ODF Astoria District's Annual Operations Plan public comment period.

The new reservation system provides certainty to horse campers that they have a reserved campsite prior to trailering a horse to the campgrounds, ODF Astoria District Assistant Forester Ty Williams said.

"This is a popular reservation system that will be familiar to many campers, and should be a good fit for this campground," Williams said. "It also allows ODF to provide focused upkeep when we know the camp is being used."

Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance with a valid Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card. A transaction fee of $8 will be added to ODF's standard camping fees. The public can reserve campsites beginning on or about May 1. Camping will still be open one weekend before Memorial Day and continuing through November.

The public may comment through ODF's comment page (http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/AboutODF/Pages/comment.aspx) or by mail to ODF Public Affairs, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310.