As a result of the Rum Creek Fire, the BLM is closing and not permitting use of the Wild and Scenic Lower Rogue River and Rogue River Trail from Grave Creek to Russian Creek until further notice. This order is for the safety of the public and firefighter personnel and covers all BLM-managed public lands 1/2 mile north and south of the Rogue River.
Boaters will not be permitted to float between Grave Creek and Russian Creek until the closure is lifted. Members of the public may not enter closed areas, and all uses—including hiking, boating, hunting and camping—are prohibited. Pacific Northwest Team 13 is currently engaged on the fire.
“The BLM doesn’t take river closures lightly and we tried to keep the river open as long as possible,” said Bill Dean, Grants Pass Field Manager. “We apologize for the impacts to the rafting community and will re-open the river as soon as it is safe to do so. We commit to honor permits at a later date.”
Overnight, the fire burned rapidly, which caused increase spotting and the fire progressed closer to the river. The BLM and Pacific Northwest Team 13 will conduct daily assessments in an effort to re-open the river as soon as it is safe to do so.
Source: BLM
