Submitted by the Bureau of Land Management

The Bureau of Land Management is restoring access to the below recreation sites for day use only, effective today. The health and safety of our visitors and staff remains the number one priority of the BLM. Sites are opening in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, our local partners, and the state of Washington.

The following BLM sites in Washington are open for day access, while overnight camping is still prohibited: Blind Island; Chopaka Lake; Liberty; Palmer Mountain/Washburn Lake; Patos Island; Posey Island; Yakima River Canyon (Umtanum, Big Pines, Lmuma, and Roza).

The following sites remain temporarily closed to all activities: Coffeepot Lake; Lakeview Ranch; Pacific Lake; Rock Creek; and Twin Lakes.

The BLM encourages responsible, local recreation to avoid putting strain on other communities. Visitors may continue to enjoy day use at many other trails and open spaces in Washington while following recommendations from the CDC and local and state public health authorities. Please practice social distancing and clean your hands often. Social distancing recommendations may require that visitors avoid public lands during high-use times, such as weekends.

Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles. Most restrooms are still locked, and services such as trash collection have been temporarily suspended at most sites. Please bring your own sanitary products, including toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and pack out all trash.

For more information, call the BLM Spokane District at 509-536-1200 or 509-665-2100. The BLM will continue to be responsive to changing circumstances. Updated information on affected BLM facilities in Oregon and Washington will be posted on www.blm.gov/oregon-washington/covid-access-restrictions.

The closures are pursuant to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): 43 CFR § 8364.1, 43 CFR § 9268.3(d)(1), and 43 CFR § 8365.1-4.