Additional fire-related restrictions adopted on county forestland

HOOD RIVER CO. — During public comment at the board of commissioners’ July 20 meeting, resident Duane Schneeberg expressed concerns about the ongoing gate closure of Neal Creek Road (HRC Forest Road 7500) due to fire danger, sparking a larger discussion about summertime regulations on county forestland in two subsequent meetings.

Schneeberg pointed out the closure creates a dead-end road and limits access for exiting the area, which could prove problematic in the event of a wildfire-related evacuation. Then, at the board’s Aug. 17 meeting, County Forestry Director Doug Theisies addressed reasons for restricting public access and presented additional recommendations at a special Aug. 20 session.

Between Oregon’s Department of Forestry (ODF), local fire districts and the county, fire restrictions come down from multiple entities and typically increase in severity as the season progresses. ODF sets the Industrial Fire Precaution Level statewide to “prevent fires from industrial and equipment-related activities in forested protected lands,” Theisies said, and reaching Level 3 triggers gate closures to prevent off-road motorized trail use.

“It’s all based on actual fire indices. It’s really just science, but also fire activity, and we definitely coordinate and correspond with Oregon Department of Forestry, usually even on a weekly basis,” Theisies said.

While the forestry department does obtain annual board approval for most seasonal closures, Theisies has discretion over which county roads to close. Most often, seasonal closures tend to last for 2-2.5 months, and typically reopen in September. In the case of Neal Creek Road, many homeowners requested the closure due to increased levels of recreation in the area. However, at the June recreation trail meeting, forestry officials heard from some homeowners in the Neal Creek area who preferred to leave the gates open, “so we’re getting input on both sides of the issue,” Theisies added.

In anticipation of an evacuation scenario, Theisies plans to provide concerned homeowners with a key to open locked gates, but only for emergency access.

Theisies had three additional recommendations for county restrictions tied to Industrial Fire Precaution Level 3:

1. Termination of overnight camping on county forest lands, except at designated campgrounds, including Kingsley, Tucker and Toll Bridge parks;

2. Closure of all existing gates providing access to Hood River County Forest, including Post Canyon, Riordan Hill and Gilhouly roads; and

3. Prohibit the use of combustion engine motorized vehicles off improved roads, and behind all county forest gates.

“Setting forward a criteria for future seasons that don’t appear arbitrary to the public and are clear for opening and closing of said roads through gates or other means, I think, is really important,” said Commissioner Ed Weathers, while indicating his support.

“A large fire is not only going to damage us financially, but it’s going to damage the pristine nature of that resource for all user groups,” Weathers continued. “I think the danger to protect that resource is warranted as long as we message it correctly and are consistent and have criteria that people understand.”

The board then unanimously voted to sign an order authorizing Theisies’ additional recommendations and plan to ensure that concerned homeowners can navigate locked gates in an emergency. The changes took effect on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Of note, hiking and non-motorized vehicle use of county trails and roads is still permitted, even if the gates are locked. Forestry staff plan to develop signage to signal closures and explain permitted uses, and Theisies emphasized that closures will remain in place until conditions are certain to support reduced fire risk.

“I’m actually sensitive to the people that want to use the woods, too; I’m not out there to close it,” Theisies said. “If it wasn’t for the fire prevention need, I wouldn’t be closing them.”

•••

Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe and read more at columbiagorgenews.com.