Local News

Forest Service Implements Temporary Closure of Huckleberry Mountain

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has issued a temporary area closure for tribal ceremonial purposes on Huckleberry Mountain, which includes Huckleberry camping area and the surrounding area.

The closure was requested by the Klamath Tribe. Pursuant to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and the Cultural and Heritage Cooperation Authority, the US Forest Service is required to ensure access to National Forest System land, to the maximum extent practicable, by Indians and Indian tribes for traditional and cultural purposes.

The temporary closure will be implemented once per year for approximately ten days within a six-week period spanning between August 1st and September 15th. The closure period varies from year to year. This year the closure began August 16th and runs thru August 26th. Full closure order will be posted online at https://bit.ly/RRSNFAlerts.

The closure exempts those with a specific authorizing permit, any organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of official duty and any member of the Klamath Tribes, or those invited by the Klamath Tribes, to participate in ceremonial activities.

Closure notices, road closed signs will be posted in the affected areas. Nearby alternative huckleberry picking, and dispersed camping areas have been identified online at https://linktr.ee/RRSNFFireInfo.
Posted on 8/17/24 6:36AM by Chuck Benson