Due to
dry conditions in northwest forests, the Oregon Department of Forestry has
declared Regulated Use in effect beginning Thursday, July 5.
Restrictions include; no
open fires except at designated locations, no fireworks, and no use of
exploding targets and tracer ammunition. Non-industrial chainsaw use is
prohibited between 1-8 p.m. Smoking is not allowed while traveling except in
closed vehicles on improved roads.
These restrictions apply
to lands in Washington, Yamhill, Tillamook, Clatsop, Columbia, and parts of
Multnomah County protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. To find out
what restrictions are in place at any given location, go online to ODF’s
statewide fire restrictions and closures page at www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx.
For
folks headed out to rural areas or to the Tillamook State Forest, there are
several things to keep in mind as you prepare for your trip and while you are
out in the woods during regulated use.
Remember,
planning ahead and practicing fire safety will not only help keep Oregon’s
forests green, it may save you a citation.
Here
are some Frequently Asked Questions and their answers:
How
do I know if Regulated Use is in effect?
- When you pass an orange or yellow sign like the ones pictured below, it means that Regulated Use is in effect.
What do I have to bring with me?
While you are traveling through the forests and rural areas,
unless you are on a state highway, county road or driveway, each vehicle must
have:
- 1 shovel
- 1 gallon of water OR 1 operational 2.5 lb fire extinguisher
Where can I have a campfire in the Tillamook State
Forest?
- Fee Campgrounds
- Developed Day Use Areas
- Designated Recreation Areas
- Designated Campsites
Where can I smoke?
- You can smoke in the closed cabin of your vehicle on improved roads. (This means top and doors secured on the vehicle and windows up.)
- You can also smoke while in Fee Campgrounds, Designated Campsites or Designated Recreation Areas (such as Rogers Camp Trailhead).
Can I cook in my campsite?
Yes. Cooking is limited to:
- Metal fire pits installed by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
- Propane or gas camp stoves
- Propane or gas BBQs
Charcoal and wood burning BBQs are prohibited.
How do I know if the trails are open?
Designated OHV trails in the Browns Camp, Jordan Creek,
Diamond Mill, Trask and BLM Upper Nestucca Riding areas.
- IFPL 1 & IFPL 2 = Trails are OPEN.
- IFPL 3 = Trails are CLOSED and OHV operation is restricted to maintained gravel roads in those designated OHV areas.
- IFPL 4 = All OHV operation is CLOSED
Designated Non-Motorized Trails for Equestrians, Hikers
and Mountain Bikers
- IFPL 1 & IFPL 2 = Trails are OPEN.
- IFPL 3 = Trails are OPEN but additional restrictions may be in place.
- IFPL 4 = All OHV operation is CLOSED.
