Front Page, Oakridge/Westfir

5 Rivers Group hears from Forest Service on issue of non-recreational camping in nearby woods

Share this article
five rivers group,non-recreational camping,oakridge,willamette national forest,forest service
The 5 Rivers Groups consists of Oakridge/Westfir residents who are interested in cleaning up our forests and rivers from the messes created by illegal non-recreational camping. 5 Rivers Group photo

By BEN OLSON/For The Herald — Ten members of the Oakridge-based 5 Rivers Group met with representatives of the Forest Service on Tuesday to discuss the letter of concern and petition which had been submitted to the local ranger.

The members had an opportunity to hear from the district ranger and her staff. How they are dealing with non-recreational campers, from a law enforcement point of view, and removal of abandoned vehicles were of primary concern. Their plan to deal with fire prevention as things get dry this summer is a concern of everyone.

The Forest Service representatives admitted that they are dealing with complex social and legal issues as they attempt to administer to people “living in the woods.”

Jay Skordahl, a spokesperson for the 5 Rivers Group, said, “It was a good first meeting. I can say that there is a mutual recognition of our many concerns about non-recreational campsites and a mutual commitment to keep working together in search of solutions.”

In the coming days, with help from staff at the South Willamette Forest Collaborative, a framework will be provided for a community-wide meeting and discussion.

The list of suggested ideas submitted to the district ranger of the Forest Service about non-recreational camping are as follows:

(1) Designate a zone around our community as day use only. This will allow for more effective monitoring and prevention of fire and other safety concerns near our community while maintaining daytime public use and recreational enjoyment.

(2) Employ a person or persons to monitor the 5 Rivers watersheds and be a liaison between the community and Forest Service. This person would be a presence visiting campsites, evaluating potential fire hazards, water contamination, hazmats or other potential safety concerns. That representative would be able to initiate appropriate and timely responses and actions to those concerns.

(3) Funds must be allocated to install and maintain these public safety measures through either re-allocation of funds within the Forest Service budget or grants available for fire prevention or other rural public safety measures.

For more information on the work that 5 Rivers Group is doing, please go to their Facebook page.

+ posts

📣 Support Your Local News Publication: Donate to Highway 58 Herald! 📣

The Highway 58 Herald is your trusted source for all things local, from community events to breaking news. But we need your help to keep delivering the stories that matter most to you. Your generous donation ensures we can continue providing in-depth reporting and vibrant coverage of our community.

Every dollar helps us maintain high-quality journalism and keep you informed. Please consider making a donation today and support the voice of our community. Donate today!

Thank you for helping us keep Highway 58 Herald strong and vibrant!

Comments are closed.

Lane County Libraries The Power of Partnership throughout Lane County Oregon

graphic: Classifieds

GARAGE SALE: Tell folks about your upcoming garage sale here.

LANDSCAPING SERVICES:  It’s that time of year.  Let everyone know what services you have to offer.

JOB OPENINGS: Need to let the community know that you need help. Post your job openings here.

 

OFFICE SERVICES AVAILABLE:  Copying, Scanning, Emailing & Faxing Services are now available at The Herald’s office in Oakridge.
CLICK HERE for details.

graphic: Classified Ad Posting is Now Available - For Sale • Help Wanted • Landscaping • Rentals • Homes for sale • Repairs • Remodeling • and More! - Post your classified ad with us today.

Public and Legal Notices Lane County Highway 58 Oregon

 

Public and Legal Notices Lane County Highway 58 Oregon

Follow H58H on Social Media

The calendar is temporarily disabled due to a rendering error. Please reload the page.