A careful return to public lands, waters

FRANK ARMENDARIZ/PHOTO

It was my first trip up into the fire recovery zone on the McKenzie River and what I saw was heartbreaking. (Looking upriver toward Blue River.)

Over the last year, while adhering to the prescribed health and social distancing recommendations related to COVID-19, fishing, cycling, hiking and generally most other non-team outdoor activities have been considered safe for families and individuals. Unfortunately, last season there were dozens of federal, state, and county closures…