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PORTLAND * The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today that fire danger may restrict public use or close public land in specific regions of the state to all public use, including hunting. This may result in ODFW delaying hunting seasons, offering hunters opportunities in other seasons, closing hunting seasons or reinstating preference points.
"State and federal agency land mangers understand it is critical we inform hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts about land closures at the earliest possible date," said Acting Wildlife Division Director George Buckner.
"We^re working very closely with our state and federal partners to determine if and when areas of the state will be closed to public use. Unless conditions in eastern Oregon change over the next couple of days, it is likely there will be some closures."
State and federal agencies met today to discuss criteria that would be used to determine public land closures in areas of the state where fire danger is at critical levels. While the threat of fire from lightning strikes has lessened, fires caused by people are increasing. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, there have been 119 lightning-caused fires this year, compared to 430 fires caused by people.
Any changes to fall hunting seasons will be posted on the ODFW Internet site at http://www.dfw.state.or.us.
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Uploaded: 8/18/2000
Uploaded: 8/18/2000