News Release Archive

Recreational Use Restrictions in Place at Howard Prairie Lake

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, 07/25/2008 17:18
Kathy Cushman, kcushman@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: July 25, 2008

The Bureau of Reclamation and Jackson County Parks will be restricting motorized vehicles, overnight camping, and campfires on the east side of Howard Prairie Lake near Hoxey Creek located about 25 miles east of Ashland, Ore.

Signs have been posted in the area warning people that they could face fines if they violate the restrictions. The recreational area is on Reclamation lands administered by Jackson County Parks. The Jackson County Sheriffs Department has agreed to patrol the area and issue citations to violators.

"This is a very popular recreation area and we are just concerned about keeping the area safe for campers, preventing vandalism, and limiting the likelihood of fires," said Kathy Cushman, Reclamation Lands and Water Specialist. "Under current dry conditions there is considerable concern with campfires and their potential for sparking wildfires."

The warning signs are meant to inform the public about restricted activities on Reclamation-owned lands. The signs also include the relevant Jackson County ordinance that allows local law enforcement officials to write citations for violations of unlawful activity.

Reclamation is also concerned about stopping damage to the lake's shoreline by vehicle traffic which threatens the natural and cultural resources in the area, as well as illegal tree cutting.

Howard Prairie Lake is part of an extensive array of public lands that provide recreational opportunities to the Medford and Ashland populations in Oregon.

For more information please contact Jackson County Parks at (541) 774-8183 or the Bureau of Reclamation's Bend Field Office at (541) 389-6541.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.