Post by The Black Jeep on May 19, 2009 22:10:38 GMT -5
From: FOREMAN Jeff
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 12:17 PM
Subject: State Forests Campgrounds Open for Memorial Day Weekend
Oregon Department of Forestry issued the following news release today.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Distribution: Major Media
May 19, 2009 Contact: Jeff Foreman
503-945-7506
Campgrounds in state forests open May 21; rates remain same,
but economy’s downturn drives budget cuts that affect some services
With dry weather starting to show itself on a more regular basis, the idea of camping may have cropped up for many – especially with Memorial Day weekend coming up.
Most campgrounds in Tillamook, Clatsop and Santiam state forests will be open for first-come, first-served (no reservations) camping beginning Thursday, May 21.
“That’s a little later than usual, but it’s still in time for the busy summer season,” said Randy Peterson, who is responsible for the Oregon Department of Forestry’s recreation on the east side of the Tillamook State Forest.
Early season campers may have been disappointed this year when they discovered locked gates at their favorite campgrounds. A later start and earlier end to the season are planned to help compensate for less recreation funding.
Timber sale revenue – the primary source for recreation funding – has sharply declined due to lack of demand for wood products. ODF recreation staff are being reduced.
The revenue shortfall hasn’t affected the $10 a night camping fee – it remains the same. Where there are walk-in sites, the same $5-a-night rate continues.
There are still no fees for using trails and day-use areas. This goes for hiking, biking, and motorized and horseback use of the trails.
Camp hosts will continue at most campgrounds, and county deputies will continue to patrol the heavily used areas. Hunting and fishing remain popular, and visitors are reminded to refer to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s regulations for seasons and required licenses.
The budget crunch has affected ODF’s ability to take on new recreation projects. None are planned, other than grant-funded projects.
“Our local ATV (all terrain vehicles) user group, Pacific Trail Riders, was crucial in obtaining a grant to begin development of an ATV riding opportunity at Nicolai Mountain,” said Larry Sprouse, who manages recreation in the Clatsop State Forest.
ODF will continue to depend on volunteers to help maintain existing trails; otherwise some maintenance will go undone. Safety-related repairs will be taken care of as soon as possible, but having fewer staff can cause delays, which could close parts or all of affected facilities.
“Basically, repair and maintenance will focus on safety issues, environmental impacts and protecting the investment ODF has made in recreation,” Peterson said.
For information about recreation in specific state forests, contact the following: Tillamook State Forest (Randy Peterson, (503) 359-7470, or Nathan Seable (503) 815-7044); Clatsop State Forest (Larry Sprouse, (503) 325-5451); Santiam State Forest (Scott West, (503) 859-4334).
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 12:17 PM
Subject: State Forests Campgrounds Open for Memorial Day Weekend
Oregon Department of Forestry issued the following news release today.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Distribution: Major Media
May 19, 2009 Contact: Jeff Foreman
503-945-7506
Campgrounds in state forests open May 21; rates remain same,
but economy’s downturn drives budget cuts that affect some services
With dry weather starting to show itself on a more regular basis, the idea of camping may have cropped up for many – especially with Memorial Day weekend coming up.
Most campgrounds in Tillamook, Clatsop and Santiam state forests will be open for first-come, first-served (no reservations) camping beginning Thursday, May 21.
“That’s a little later than usual, but it’s still in time for the busy summer season,” said Randy Peterson, who is responsible for the Oregon Department of Forestry’s recreation on the east side of the Tillamook State Forest.
Early season campers may have been disappointed this year when they discovered locked gates at their favorite campgrounds. A later start and earlier end to the season are planned to help compensate for less recreation funding.
Timber sale revenue – the primary source for recreation funding – has sharply declined due to lack of demand for wood products. ODF recreation staff are being reduced.
The revenue shortfall hasn’t affected the $10 a night camping fee – it remains the same. Where there are walk-in sites, the same $5-a-night rate continues.
There are still no fees for using trails and day-use areas. This goes for hiking, biking, and motorized and horseback use of the trails.
Camp hosts will continue at most campgrounds, and county deputies will continue to patrol the heavily used areas. Hunting and fishing remain popular, and visitors are reminded to refer to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s regulations for seasons and required licenses.
The budget crunch has affected ODF’s ability to take on new recreation projects. None are planned, other than grant-funded projects.
“Our local ATV (all terrain vehicles) user group, Pacific Trail Riders, was crucial in obtaining a grant to begin development of an ATV riding opportunity at Nicolai Mountain,” said Larry Sprouse, who manages recreation in the Clatsop State Forest.
ODF will continue to depend on volunteers to help maintain existing trails; otherwise some maintenance will go undone. Safety-related repairs will be taken care of as soon as possible, but having fewer staff can cause delays, which could close parts or all of affected facilities.
“Basically, repair and maintenance will focus on safety issues, environmental impacts and protecting the investment ODF has made in recreation,” Peterson said.
For information about recreation in specific state forests, contact the following: Tillamook State Forest (Randy Peterson, (503) 359-7470, or Nathan Seable (503) 815-7044); Clatsop State Forest (Larry Sprouse, (503) 325-5451); Santiam State Forest (Scott West, (503) 859-4334).