Baker City looks to control “extensive rodent problem” at Mt. Hope Cemetery
By Joe Hathaway on Tuesday, March 19th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY – A rodent caper is unfolding at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
The City says due to an extensive rodent problem, the cemetery will be closed to the public on Wednesday, March 20, Thursday, March 21 and the morning of Friday, March 22 to combat the issue.
According to Public Works Director Joyce Bornstedt, the issue at the cemetery is primarily ground squirrels, but badgers are also a problem.
“Mt. Hope Cemetery is surrounded in large part by undeveloped ground. That makes the irrigated grounds and manicured lawn surfaces far more appealing to these species,” says Bornstedt. “The problem has been around for some time, and we have tried many methods of eradication.”
Bornstedt says the City is working with the Oregon Department of Agriculture on a plan to control the vermin.
The cemetery will be open once again to the public at 1:00 p.m. on Friday the March 22.
If you have any questions, please contact Baker City Public Works at 541-524-2047 or 541-524-2046.
