Posts Tagged ‘mount st helens’

Where in the Heck is New Princeton, Oregon?

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT OR-09-19
Contact: Michael Campbell (503) 808-6031

Portland, OR. – Folding a map may not be the easiest thing for some people, but finding the right map of Federal public lands in the Northwest – and finding New Princeton – has just become a whole lot easier for everyone! Hint: It’s in southeast Oregon.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has recently produced wall-size maps showcasing the vast array of both Oregon and Washington public lands. The Oregon and Washington maps are a significant update to versions that were created in 1994.

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Gifford Pinchot Forest Roads 25, 81, and 83 Gated for Winter Season (Washington)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Chris Strebig (360) 891-5005 cell (360) 901-2131

Vancouver, WA – Increasing snow at higher elevations is causing the closure of some Forest roads for the winter. Winter recreationists should keep in mind that roads to Sno-Parks will not be plowed until December 1 or later.

Forest Road 25 is now gated at the south end due to increasing snow levels at higher elevations. The north end of Forest Road 25 is gated at Benham Creek, five miles north of Forest Road 99, due to an ongoing landslide. Forest Road 81 is closed beyond Cougar Sno-Park, and Forest Road 83 is closed beyond Marble Mountain Sno-Park.

Forest Service Road 52 (Skate Creek Road), from Packwood to Highway 706, is still open, however, wintry conditions should be expected. Gates at both ends of the road will be closed when snow accumulates.

On the west side of Mount St. Helens, State Route 504 remains open east of the Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center as far Coldwater Lake recreation site. The Johnston Ridge Observatory is closed for the winter. Travelers on State Route 504 should watch out for ice in shaded areas and on bridges as well as for wildlife. The Washington State Department of Transportation plans to maintain State Route 504 for winter travel to Coldwater Lake and the Hummocks Trail as weather conditions and available equipment permit. Winter visitors need to be aware that road conditions can change quickly due to blowing snow. For the latest information on State Route 504 and other Washington State Highways visit WSDOT’s web site at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/regions/Southwest/. Motorists can receive updates by calling 511.

As winter snows arrive many roads on the Gifford Pinchot will be closed for the winter months. As winter closures take effect, vehicular access will be restricted to many popular spots on the Forest. These closures are to protect wildlife during the winter period and to provide for winter sports such as skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. All closed areas, are open to the public with access by foot. Wheeled vehicles are restricted from all-winter sports travel routes. Snowmobiles are not allowed in wildlife winter range areas. Once implemented winter wildlife and winter sports closures will be in effect until April 1, 2010.

Please make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for winter travel. Remember to carry emergency equipment and chains. Your safety depends on good planning and good judgment. For updates on weather and road conditions, contact Forest Service offices and for statewide road information visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/.

http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/news/2009/documents/final-20091025a-Roads-closures.pdf

Landslide Threatens Closure of Forest Road 25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2009 cell (360) 901-2131

CONTACT: Chris Strebig (360) 891-5005, cell (360) 901-2131

VANCOUVER, WA – Forest Road 25 at Benham Creek 5 miles north of the Forest Road 99 junction to Windy Ridge may be closed at any time due to a landslide. A large landslide closed the road last winter, and a temporary bridge was installed in June to provide access on this major north and south Forest access route. Recent heavy rains are dislodging additional material at the Benham Creek site causing Forest officials to consider a complete closure to protect public safety.

As snow levels drop below 3,000 feet in elevation, Forest visitors are cautioned to check ahead on road conditions with local Forest Service offices or the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website at www.fs.fed.us/gpnf. All Forest visitors should prepare for winter weather driving conditions. Snow plowing on Gifford Pinchot National Forest roads occurs only to Sno-parks through the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission as funding allows. The majority of Forest roads are not plowed for snow, and Forest visitors are cautioned to plan their visit to the Forest based on increasing snow levels and the possibility of getting stranded if they drive Forest roads at higher elevation. Currently, about 2 feet of snow blankets elevations above 4,000 feet.

The Forest has started work with Federal Highways on design and replacement of the bridge over Benham Creek. Completion of the permanent bridge is scheduled for 2011.

For current Forest road information, please contact Gifford Pinchot National Forest offices. The Forest Headquarters in Vancouver can be reached at 360-891-5000; Cowlitz Valley Ranger District in Randle can be reached at 360-497-1100; Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Headquarters in Amboy can be reached at 360-449-7800, and; Mount Adams Ranger District in Trout Lake can be reached at 509-395-3400. For more information on current road conditions, visit http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/recreation/currentconditions/roads.shtml or call any of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest offices.

http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/news/2009/documents/final-20091110a-ForestRoad25.pdf