Closure of Trout Creek, OR

[COR]

Recently, the BLM closed the trad climbing area of Trout Creek to climbing on the basis of protecting golden eagle nesting sites. COR (Central Oregon Rocks, Inc) is a nonprofit access fund affiliate based in Bend, OR whose mission is to protect access to rock climbing areas in the region. We are working with the BLM to assist them in completing their EA for the area and allow public comment before coming to a final decision on closures. In the meantime, they have lifted the mandatory closure and instated a voluntary closure. We ask that you not climb at trout creek during the voluntary closure, because the BLM will be watching carefully to see how well we can manage ourselves as climbers.

 

Thank you very much for helping to protect access to this amazing area.

-COR

 

News article about the closure:

http://www.tsweekly.com/outside/outdoor-recreation/kids-and-the-government-in-central-oregon-climbing-popular-area-crag-closed-for-now.html

 

Below is the most recent excerpt from the "friends of trout creek" facebook page, where updates to this situation can be found.

https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofTroutCreek

 

UPDATE!! On Thursday, Molly Brown, Field Ranger for the Prineville BLM signed an order to restructure the Trout Creek climbing closure from mandatory to voluntary, effective on Friday, Feb. 17th. THE AREA IS STILL CLOSED, AND IT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER TO CLIMB ELSEWHERE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!! This is a great gesture of good faith by the BLM, and one that we suggested in the meeting on Monday. They have requested our assistance in distributing this news and managing the new closure format (including signage, public notice, and compliance). The signs at the trailhead will be replaced tomorrow to mirror these changes.

 

It is paramount to our effort to work together to make sure that all climbers follow this voluntary closure, as our compliance can demonstrate our unity as a user-group dedicated to responsible access and stewardship. Our track record in the next few months will surely be included in the E.A., and will ultimately contribute to a permanent management plan. This is a "golden" opportunity to prove to land managers everywhere that we all want to protect golden eagles and our right to climb in this incredible place.

 

In the meantime, the BLM has also agreed to release a new scoping letter, which will allow for further public comment before the E.A. is written up. We have cause for gratitude to the Prineville BLM for listening to us and taking swift action. Now, it is up to us to help them finish the E.A. and to do our part by staying away and encouraging all others to do so as well. Stay tuned for new developments.