A forest closure order that prohibits long-term camping and/or occupancy within the boundaries of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest was recently signed by Acting Forest Supervisor Dan Quinones.
The order prohibits occupancy for more than 14 consecutive days in one location and more than 28 calendar days annually. All developed campgrounds and dispersed camping sites -- including fee and non-fee sites -- are included.
The prohibition is in effect on lands described on the attached maps included in the order "tiny.url.com/4rm76hem." The closure is in effect through June 5th, 2026, unless rescinded sooner.
Supervisor Quinones said the Forest has communicated the proposed stay limit with external stakeholders including local county commissioners, community and tribal leaders. He said they have expressed support for the two-week stay limit.
Long-term public use for camping purposes has increased in recent years. Since the stay-home executive order issued by former Oregon Governor Kate Brown in March 2020, this increased use has intensified. Long-term camping at high-use sites and in general forest areas is limiting opportunities for fair and equitable use of forest lands by other campers and forest users.
The popularity of the forest as a recreation area requires managers to effectively manage visitor use as well as provide adequate resource protection measures in an effort to balance use with impacts including potential resource damage.
Forest officials said this order will promote more equitable distribution of camping opportunities and other public lands access.
