News Release Archive

Big Bend Campground to Partially Close Due to Bowman Dam Construction

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, 06/15/2011 08:51
Lynette Ripley, lripley@usbr.gov

For Release: June 15, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation announced today that beginning June 21, there will be a partial closure of Big Bend Campground while construction takes place at Arthur R. Bowman Dam about 20 miles southeast of Prineville, Oregon.

Bowman Dam construction work consists of installing a 6 foot high concrete parapet wall on top of the dam and raising a portion of the spillway walls by 2 feet for flood control. Construction crews will fence off a section of the campground for a staging area for heavy equipment.

Six of the 15 campsites will be closed to the public. The remaining nine campsites that will remain open include an accessible campsite for people with physical disabilities and restroom facilities.

Construction is scheduled for June 21-November 1, 2011. The roadway across the top of the dam will remain open through Labor Day. Immediately following Labor Day the roadway will be closed to accommodate construction from September 6 - October 1, 2011.

The public is advised to exercise caution around the construction zone and comply with posted safety signs.

For more information about the partial campground closure, contact the Bureau of Reclamation 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.