The state has closed the banks and islands of the Willamette River to camping within the city limits of Eugene, the Oregon Department of State Lands announced Monday. File Photo/wikmedia commons MB298
The Oregon Department of State Lands announced Monday the temporary closure of banks and islands of the Willamette River within the city limits of Eugene to overnight use and camping. Beginning May 15, no activity is permitted on those lands between 10pm and 5am Camping and fires are prohibited at all times.
The restrictions are intended to protect against natural resource and property loss/damage, degradation of water quality and loss/damage to riparian vegetation and wildlife habitat.
Permanent restrictions will be the subject of a public rulemaking process this summer and fall, which will culminate in consideration of permanent rules by the State Land Board at the end of the year.
Since July 2018, the Department has monitored illegal and nuisance activities on these state-owned lands with the assistance of Eugene Parks Division staff, the Eugene Police Department and the Oregon State Police. Documented activities include:
■ Littering and dumping
■ Reckless burning and open fires
■ Damage to riparian vegetation and wildlife habitat
■ Damage to property.
Cottage Grove Reservoir
opening delayed a week
The opening of Cottage Grove Reservoir day-use parks will be delayed by about a week as workers continue to clear storm debris, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps plans to open the day-use parks at Cottage Grove for weekend-only use starting May 18. However, those sites will be closed during weekdays as maintenance crews clean up.
In past years, Corps-managed day-use parks generally open the second weekend in May, but during a late-February snowstorm, hundreds of trees were damaged within the parks at Cottage Grove Reservoir and Dorena Reservoir.
As each park is completely cleaned up, the weekday restrictions will be lifted for that park. Fifteen campsites at Schwarz Campground, located at Dorena reservoir, will remain closed until June 30 to continue debris clean-up.
For more information, contact the Willamette Valley park ranger office at 541-942-5631.
Learn the unique style of bowfishing
Oregon Fish & Wildlife officials are playing host to a free family bowfishing event Saturday, May 19 at Fern Ridge Lake. This unique style of fishing offers anglers a new take on fishing and archers a new way to put their skills to work. Gear and instruction will be available. Or, bring your own gear if you have it.
Deadline for OHA convention nears
The Oregon Hunter’s Association’s annual state convention is scheduled for May 18 at Chinooks Winds Casino in Lincoln City. Start time is 4:30 p.m. and the event includes an auction and raffle.
Go to www.oregonhunters.org. The deadline is May 10.
Applications due for controlled hunts
Applications to apply for ”premium” hunting for residents and non-residents — of deer, elk and pronghorn antelope tags with a four-month season (Aug. 1-Nov. 30) and any-sex bag limit — is May 15. Like all limited-entry controlled hunts, applications are $8, and due no later than 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, May 15. Premium Hunt tags also cost the same as other big game tags. Premium Hunts are also considered additional tags-meaning winners can still hunt on their regular controlled or general season big game tag. Go to www.myodfw.com.
