Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge Island Closures
As part of ongoing efforts to protect wildlife habitat, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is closing public access to all Columbia River islands within the Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge.
The closure prevents disturbance to wildlife, reduces the risk of wildfire from campfires and fireworks that could harm nesting habitat, protects sensitive cultural resources and reduces trash and human waste. The islands closed include the Blalock Islands, the Sand Islands, Telegraph Island, Long Walk Island and the small sand peninsula (sometimes an island) located on the eastern tip of Crow Butte Island. The closure is in accordance with the Refuge's Comprehensive Conservation Plan, completed in 2007 after undergoing public review.
"Most of these islands were already closed prior to the adoption of the Comprehensive Conservation Plan but this new emphasis includes two beaches that are often used as boat-in recreation areas," said Refuge Manager Lamont Glass. "Many boaters have heard of these changes but we want to make sure that as any people as possible know about them." If you have questions about the closure, please call Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex headquarters at (509) 546-8300.
The closure prevents disturbance to wildlife, reduces the risk of wildfire from campfires and fireworks that could harm nesting habitat, protects sensitive cultural resources and reduces trash and human waste. The islands closed include the Blalock Islands, the Sand Islands, Telegraph Island, Long Walk Island and the small sand peninsula (sometimes an island) located on the eastern tip of Crow Butte Island. The closure is in accordance with the Refuge's Comprehensive Conservation Plan, completed in 2007 after undergoing public review.
"Most of these islands were already closed prior to the adoption of the Comprehensive Conservation Plan but this new emphasis includes two beaches that are often used as boat-in recreation areas," said Refuge Manager Lamont Glass. "Many boaters have heard of these changes but we want to make sure that as any people as possible know about them." If you have questions about the closure, please call Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex headquarters at (509) 546-8300.
