The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

To support state and local measures directing people to stay home to save lives, all Deschutes National Forest campgrounds are now closed through May 8, or until such measures are lifted.

The campground closures are necessary to address the social distancing guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and to align with Governor Brown’s “Stay at Home” executive order, the Forest Service states.

Day use areas, including trailheads, will remain accessible, however restroom facilities will not be serviced. The Forest Service encourages the public to follow the Governor’s executive order for the State of Oregon. The executive order says to stay home and to not travel for recreational purposes.

Deschutes National Forest officials urge people to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and avoid putting undue pressure on medical and law enforcement personnel in Central Oregon communities so all can return to our outdoor adventures soon.

The Deschutes Land Trust has closed its preserves and all associated trails, trailheads, and parking areas to the public to comply with the governor’s “Stay Home, Save Lives” executive order 20-12.

The closure will continue until further notice.

“The Deschutes Land Trust’s Preserves are privately owned and managed for wildlife and to protect important natural resources, but wherever possible we seek to provide appropriate public access. We recognize that the public wants to get out to explore and experience nature, particularly at a time when many of us are feeling cooped up at home. However, in light of this unprecedented public health emergency, we concluded it was important to close public access,” said Brad Chalfant, executive director of the Deschutes Land Trust.