PORTLAND, Ore. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District (Corps) is easing restrictions at additional recreational sites today. These sites join previous locations that had restrictions relaxed as part of a phased plan to gradually restore recreation opportunities.
Additional locations relaxing restrictions:
Lost Creek Lake: Bridge Hole Fishing Access
Cottage Grove Lake: Shortridge Park and Riverside Park
Dexter Lake: Orchard Park, Middle Fork Boat Launch and South Shore Fishing Access
Fern Ridge Lake: Shorelane Park, Kirk Park, and Royal Avenue Park
Lookout Point: Meridian Park
The full list of locations is available at: www.nwp.usace.army.mil/recreation-status
Unless specifically stated as being open, Corps-managed recreation sites remain closed at this time. Sites are only open for day-use. Camping and overnight use is not permitted at this time. All visitor centers, playgrounds and group picnic sites remain closed.
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 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 are still in place in Oregon and Washington and we encourage the public to continue following this guidance. We relaxed our recreation site restrictions at some sites to align with the Oregon and Washington governors limited reopening of state recreation areas for responsible use by local residents. In addition, the Oregon and Washington fish & wildlife departments have extended Spring Salmon season to include May 15-17 and 20.
“Thanks to the public following our guidelines we have been able to relax restrictions at even more locations. Please keep it up, so we can keep these sites open,” said Melissa Rinehart, Portland District chief of natural resource management.
“Our top priority is always the health and safety of everyone visiting and working at our locations. Remember to limit your travel to nearby locations and be respectful of fellow visitors and park staff who are out there working for you.”
We ask the public follow these guidelines established by the Corps and the Oregon and Washington governor’s offices:
• Anyone exhibiting any cold or flu-like symptoms shall not participate in outdoor recreation activities.
• We may need to 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/.