PORTLAND, Ore. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District (Corps) is relaxing restrictions at some recreation sites on the Washington state side of the Columbia River, Tuesday, May 5, as the first phase in a gradual reopening of Corps locations. All other Corps-managed recreation sites remain closed at this time.
The recreation sites relaxing restrictions are:
Bonneville Dam: Hamilton Island, Fort Cascades and North Shore recreation areas
The Dalles Dam: North Shore Recreation area and Avery Park
John Day Dam: Railroad Island Park, Rock Creek Park, Roosevelt Park, Sundale Park and Plymouth Park Boat Ramp.
The sites listed above are only open for day-use. Camping and overnight use is not permitted at this time. Visitors must comply with all park and vehicle rules and recreate responsibly by following safety guidelines to lessen the spread of COVID-19.
The Corps closed all recreation locations March 30 in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and support the stay-at-home executive orders issued by the Oregon and Washington state governors. Stay-at-home orders and safety requirements are still in place in Oregon and Washington.
While stay-at-home orders are still in place in Oregon and Washington, the Corps relaxed our recreation site restrictions to align with Washington Governor Jay Inslee's reopening of many state recreation locations on May 5th. In addition, both Oregon and Washington fish & wildlife departments opened hunting and fishing to non-residents, including Spring Salmon season for May 5, 7, 9 and 13.
“The health and safety of all visitors, partners, employees and their families is our top priority. While we are reopening a portion of our recreation sites, we remind visitors to continue following social distancing guidelines and travel only in your local area,” said Melissa Rinehart, Portland District chief of natural resource management.
“Relaxing restrictions at these sites and at additional recreation locations in the future, will depend on how successful we all are in following social distancing guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
We request the public adhere to the following Corps’ and the Washington state governor’s guidelines when visiting our recreation locations:
• Anyone exhibiting any cold or flu-like symptoms shall not participate in outdoor recreation activities.
• We may close any public park, land, trail or boat ramp if there is reason to believe an unsafe condition exists or social distancing practices are not being adhered to.
• People must recreate locally: Do not travel farther than necessary and do not stay overnight to recreate.
• Parking may be limited, but recreation users must park in designated spots.
• Limit your recreation partners to only those who live within your household unit.
• Always maintain a minimum six-foot social distance from other people in all areas including trailhead and boat ramp locations.
• Utilize facial coverings in any situation where social distancing is not possible.
• Do not gather in groups.
• Be considerate of other park visitors. Public restrooms are only as clean as the last user. Where restrooms are available, they may not have hand sanitizing stations. Bring your own personal protective supplies including hand sanitizer, soap, water, face mask, disinfectant wipes, etc.
• Bring your own food and supplies when possible to help protect others in your community.
• Wear a personal floatation device (life vest) if you are recreating on the water. At this time, Corps life jacket loaner stations are not available in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Corps will continually monitor guidance from state and local officials on the COVID-19 pandemic and update recreation conditions as information changes.
Stay up-to-date with Portland District by visiting our website at: www.nwp.usace.army.mil.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, @PortlandCorps.
Questions? Call the public affairs office at 503-808-4510.
For information on the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), visit: coronavirus.gov.
Learn more about what the U.S. government is doing here: www.usa.gov/coronavirus.
Learn more about what the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is doing here: www.usace.army.mil/Coronavirus/.