By Terry Murry on Monday, August 2nd, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON โ News release from the Umatilla National Forest
With recent precipitation and reduced initial attack on new fires across the Forest, Umatilla National Forest officials will reopen much of the Forest on Wednesday, Aug. 4, including all Heppner and North Fork John Day Ranger District lands and part of the Walla Walla Ranger District. The Pomeroy Ranger District and northern portions of the Walla Walla Ranger District will remain closed.
Due to active large wildfires, the modified closure includes the entirety of the Pomeroy Ranger District lands and the portion of Walla Walla Ranger District lands north of Forest Service Road 64 up to Jubilee Lake, north of Jubilee Lake and east of Forest Service Road 63. While these roads are the boundary of the closure area, the roads themselves will re-open to Jubilee Lake campground, which will also be open to the public. Access is prohibited in areas identified in the closure, which includes National Forest lands, roads, trails and recreational facilities.
Visitors planning a trip to areas within the closure should cancel any plans for the next several weeks. These areas remain closed to protect public and firefighter safety as the Forest continues to actively suppress wildfires, while also responding to new smoke reports. A detailed map of the area with the portions that remain closed is on the Umatilla National Forest website.