Longview Timberlands LLC property in Washington and Oregon lying east of I-5 is closed to all public-recreational entry effective Friday, Aug. 15, because of the high forest-fire danger in both states.
Blake Rowe, President, said, "We are forced to close our forestlands east of I-5 in seven Oregon and Washington Tree Farms to public access until substantial rains reduce the wildfire threat. Conditions are extremely dry in the Pacific Northwest and long-range forecasts indicate the hot spell will continue for some time. The public's cooperation in staying out of the tree farms during this hazardous forest-fire period will be much appreciated."
Rowe said Longview foresters will be closing gates and posting closure notices at timberlands entry points this week. Company woods security patrols will be increased for the duration of the fire season.
Longview's timberlands closed in Oregon include: the Mid-Columbia, Clackamas, and Silver Falls Tree Farms; in Washington: The Chelan, Skagit, Southwest, Pacific Cascades, and Mid-Columbia Tree Farms.
The closure affects approximately 127,875 acres in Oregon located in Multnomah, Clackamas, Marion, Linn, Hood River and Wasco counties; and 216,308 acres in Washington located in Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, Klickitat, Lewis, Pierce, King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, and Chelan counties.
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