News Release USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region

New Camping and Firearm Use Regulations for Areas of the Detroit Ranger District

Date: August 15, 2006
Contact: Rod Stewart, Recreation Staff Officer 503-854-4210

Detroit OR -- Recently the Willamette National Forest initiated Occupancy and Use orders regarding camping along portions of Breitenbush Road (Rd. #46) and discharging a firearms, air rifles, or gas guns in specified areas of the Detroit Ranger District.

No camping signs are posted along the first mile of the Breitenbush Road from highway 22 and the first 300 feet of the French Creek Road (Rd. #2223). Improper disposal of human waste and trash within dispersed campsites have resulted in serious sanitation and health concerns precipitating this order. Noise, fire, and riparian resource impacts were also considered.

Frequent use of firearms for random target shooting, or for the purpose of intimidating other recreating public around heavily used recreation sites has become a problem. The primary basis for the firearm order is related to public safety with a secondary concern for reducing vandalism and for the peace and tranquility of the setting.

The firearms order includes all federal lands in a corridor adjacent to Forest Roads 2207 and 2209 within the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area and in an area within ½ mile of the normal pool level of Detroit Lake and Forest Road 46 (Breitenbush Road) up to the intersection with Forest Road 4600.013.

The following are exempt from the firearm order:

1. Any person with a permit specifically authorizing the other wise prohibited act or omission.
2. Any Federal, State, or local official or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Persons in possession of a valid State of Oregon hunting license during hunting seasons and engaged in lawful hunting within the area in accordance with rules and regulations established by the State of Oregon. (Target shooting and sighting in of firearms is prohibited.)

The areas affected by the orders will be patrolled by Forest Service law enforcement officers and Linn and Marion County Sheriff Deputies.

A public use map and information about regulations is posted on the Willamette Website for Detroit Lake (www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette), or you can contact the Detroit Ranger District, 11425 N Santiam Highway SE, Detroit, Oregon, 503-854-3366 for information, posters and handouts.

Map of No Target Shooting Area ~ Detroit Lake Area & Breitenbush Corridor
Map of No Camping Areas ~ Detroit Lake
Map of Firearm Use Restriction Area ~ Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area