Due to post-fire conditions in the Umpqua National Forest, Forest Supervisor James Caplan announced that the North Umpqua River is now closed to boating and fishing between Horseshoe Bend and the Apple Creek Campground until further notice for reasons of public safety (order 175, issued 17 Oct 2002, closure map). The reason given for the river closure is the threat to safety posed by the presence of logs and other wood debris that have fallen into the river as a result of the Apple Fire. According to District Ranger Carol Cushing the Umpqua Forest has no plans to remove the logs and is hoping that high water will remove them. Apparently the closure will remain in effect as long as these new hazards are present, and Ranger Cushing has indicated that the closure is thus of indefinite length.
Local volunteer Michael Schlax conducted a detailed survey of the wood situation along Highway 138 from the western end of Horseshoe Bend, below about MP 46 to Pather Creek Bridge at MP 43.5. In this section of the river there are numerous new pieces of wood of various sizes, concentrated on the south or left bank. These range from log fragments to entire tree-sized pieces with their butt propped up on the bank and top in the river. None of the wood would present problems to a reasonably cautious and alert kayaker or canoeist, and conditions are characteristic of many rivers throughout the Pacific Northwest. Although all paddlers should exercise caution and judgement, one can navigate around most pieces and portage routes are available around the rest. The wood could prove inconvenient for rafters or other boats that would be more challenging to portage. After personal inspection, local volunteers have concluded the current woody debris situation does not warrant closure of the river, and feel a warning would be more appropriate.
Paddlers are urged to contact Ranger Cushing (541-496-3532, ccushing@fs.fed.us) to express their concern with this management action, and to call and WRITE the Forest Supervisor, Jim Caplan (541-957-3203, jcaplan@fs.fed.us) and tell them that we view these logs as a normal river condition commonly encountered on ALL northwest rivers and that their presence in no way justifies closure of the North Umpqua (see also, AW’s large woody debris policy). A reasonable alternative would be for the Forest Service to issue a warning of the potential harzard. Preliminary conversations with Ranger Cushing and Assistant Supervisor Paul Matter have made it clear that unless nature removes these obstacles (and does not place new ones that the Forest Service deems too dangerous) the only way the river will be opened to boating is if we act and let them know that presence of wood is not a reason to close a river. In addition, we would like to encourage the Forest Service to consult with the affected constituency group before initiating a closure action. Those who regularly paddle the river are typically the most qualified to evaluate the safety hazards. The Supervisor’s address is Umpqua National Forest, PO Box 1008, 2900 NW Stewart Parkway, Roseburg OR, 97470.
Local AW volunteer contact: Michael Schlax, 541-758-4173, <schlax@coas.oregonstate.edu>