USFS opens additional access on Tucannon River Road

PENDLETON, Ore. – To allow additional public access, the Umatilla National Forest is adjusting the closure gate on the Tucannon River Road (Forest Service Road 47) from the Tucannon Fish Hatchery to the Tucannon Campground. The new closure boundary will be located just past the campground. The Tucannon Campground will also reopen today for overnight camping.

The remainder of Forest Service Road (FSR) 47 will stay closed due to flood damage, hazard trees, and ongoing repair work. In addition, the following roads and trails remain closed along the Tucannon River:

• Portions or all of Forest Service Roads 4712, 4620 and 4713 are closed, as well as the Meadow Creek Trail #3123, Panjab Trail #3127 and Rattlesnake Trail #3129. Access to Camp Wooten and some other state campgrounds are also restricted.

The Umatilla National Forest experienced substantial road and trail damage in February from region-wide flooding across northeast Oregon and southeast Washington. Flood repair activities are ongoing, and anticipated to increase, as the Umatilla National Forest received approval for Emergency Relief for Federally-Owned Roads (ERFO) funds through the Federal Highway Administration. These funds will be used to complete repairs in the Tucannon, Umatilla, and South Fork Walla Walla River watersheds. Staff are currently completing site-specific damage survey reports to identify specific repair needs and cost estimates within those watersheds.

Contractors completed initial repair work on FSR 47 this spring and the Forest anticipates implementing additional repair work this summer. However due to the extent of the damage, flood repair activities will likely be ongoing over the next couple of years.

The public is reminded that several roads and trails are closed in areas with the most significant flood damage. Detailed closure maps and updates on flood repair activities are available on the Forest website and at any Forest office. Closure signs will also be posted on the ground.

Umatilla National Forest officials urge forest visitors to plan ahead and contact their local ranger district prior to starting their trip. Forest conditions are dynamic this time of year and likely to change throughout the day and week. The public is encouraged to monitor the Umatilla National Forest Facebook page and website for updates on flood repair activities.

Additional information about the Umatilla National Forest is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla.