News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Intent to Temporarily Close South Shore Camping Area at Haystack Reservoir

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@pn.usbr.gov
Leo Busch, lbusch@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: August 08, 2008

The Bureau of Reclamation is announcing its intention to temporarily close the dispersed camping area at the South Shore of Haystack Reservoir in central Oregon due to heightened health and safety concerns and resource damage.

"The South Shore area will be closed to the public for safety reasons from September 5-7 for the annual drag boat race," explained Kathy Cushman, Reclamation Water and Lands Specialist. "We are now letting the public know we intend to keep the area closed from September 8 until further notice with the intention of reopening.

Haystack Reservoir, located about 10 miles south of Madras, Ore., is owned by Reclamation. The decision to close the South Shore dispersed camping area is prompted by large numbers of people occupying the area for extended periods of time and exceeding the capacity of the site in terms of sanitation, trash disposal, and law enforcement patrols.

"Reclamation's decision is based on our obligation to provide for the protection and safety of the public as well as providing for the proper care of the environment," said Leo Busch, Bend Field Office Manager. "Providing for adequate security and enforcement of regulations at the camping area is becoming increasingly difficult at this time."

Reclamation is working with local, county, and state officials to develop a plan to prevent the illegal and destructive activities at Haystack Reservoir. Reclamation plans to restore the area and will explore options for future use so that it can provide a safe and enjoyable recreation experience for all members of the public. An environmental analysis with public comment opportunities will be completed prior to determining future actions and before reopening the site to the public. Public comment opportunities will be announced at a later date.

Live tree cutting, abandoned fires, shooting, and mud bogging in the lake bed have all been frequent complaints about activities at the South Shore site. Several campers have remained at the location well past the 14-day limit, some staying in excess of 30 days, resulting in their exclusive use of the area and a heavy impact on the land.

Haystack Reservoir, which borders on Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties, is impounded by Haystack Dam which was constructed in 1957. It is owned by Reclamation, and operated by the North Unit Irrigation District which supplies irrigation water to the area.

Photos of resource damage and an area map can be downloaded at: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/news/haystack/index.html.

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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.

Relevant Link:

Download photos of resource damage and a map of the area