BLM lifts closures on John Day River May 21
From the Bureau of Land Management/Prineville Office
Dear John Day River Permit User,
We are excited to inform you that all launches, take-outs, campgrounds and facilities for the John Day River will reopen beginning May 21, 2020.
Trip leaders holding permits to launch May 21, 2020 and later will be able to run their trips. The maximum group size per permit is 16 persons and boating groups may not combine at any time if this number would be exceeded. If you are unable to use your permit, you are required to log into your account at Recreation.gov and cancel your permit as soon as possible, to make your space available to another boater and to avoid being marked as a no-show. An online permit is required from Recreation.gov to boat between Service Creek and Tumwater Falls from
May 1-July 15. We are continuing to postpone the May 1, 2020 release of the second batch of permits for the John Day River. At this point, we do not know if or when that release will happen, and will keep you informed by email as new information becomes available.
Additionally, we will be opening our campgrounds and facilities. BLM developed campgrounds will be open beginning May 21, 2020 and allow a maximum of 8 people per campsite. Dispersed camping is allowed on BLM lands, where Leave No Trace practices should be followed including using a river toilet, a fire pan and packing out all trash.
As a state, Oregon is moving into the first phase of re-opening. Please plan ahead and come prepared as local services may be limited. Be safe and responsible by choosing activities within your comfort zone as you can expect limited capacity by local search and rescue personnel. Follow current Oregon Health Authority and Oregon State Marine Board guidelines for recreating safely in the outdoors during the pandemic, which include measures such as maintaining spatial distance at launches, take-outs, information kiosks, campgrounds and while on the water.
It is wildfire season and we have already experienced a 900-acre wildfire in the John Day River corridor. If you are planning on being on the water prior to June 1, campfires must be contained in a metal firepan with sides at least two inches high, and all residue must be carried out of the river canyon. If you will be on the river June 1 or later, annual campfire restrictions will be in effect: no wood or charcoal fires will be allowed. Cooking devices using white gas and propane are permitted, and smoking is allowed in a closed vehicle, while standing in the water, or while in a boat on the water.
The health and safety of our visitors and staff remains the number one priority of the Bureau of Land Management and its partners. We will continue to work together to make sure conditions are safe, sites are open, and we’re following the direction of our local, state and federal agencies. Please let us know if you have any questions or need additional information by replying to this email message.
Thank you,
John Day River Staff
BLM Central Oregon Field Office
3050 NE 3rd Street
Prineville, OR 97754
