PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The Ochoco National Forest and Prineville District BLM will be staffing an information booth to assist visitors coming to Central Oregon for the 2017 total Solar Eclipse. The main intention of the booth will be to share fire prevention information and tips for having a safe and enjoyable camping experience to eclipse visitors. The booth will be located in front of the BLM and Ochoco National Forest offices at 3050 and 3160 N.E. 3rd St., on the east end of Prineville. The booth will be open from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Wednesday, August 16th – Wednesday August 23rd.
In addition to emphasizing fire restrictions currently in effect, employees staffing the booth will be able to provide information about Forest Service and BLM roads, conditions, and local fire locations. Employees can share general knowledge about dispersed and designated camping areas; however, due to expected traffic congestion, it is unlikely we’ll be able to share up-to-date information about which campgrounds are full and which ones have space.
In addition, to help combat trash dumping on public land while people are here for the eclipse, the booth will be offering visitors trash bags. A dumpster will be available on the west side of the BLM office for visitors to drop off their trash bags on their way back through the area. The dumpster will be open Monday August 21 – Wednesday August 23rd. The booth will also be able to provide information about RV dumpsites in Oregon.
Although Central Oregon has had a very small amount of rain and a few cooler days, conditions around the area remain extreme and weather conditions will return to hot and dry during the period around the eclipse. Fire officials would like everyone to help share the message that campfires and barbeques are prohibited on public land in Central Oregon. White gas or propane cooking stoves are still allowed. As always, fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited.
