News Releases

Portland District closes all recreation sites to prevent spread of COVID-19

Portland District
Published March 30, 2020
Bonneville Lock and Dam Visitor Center

Bonneville Lock and Dam Visitor Center

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District (Corps) is closing all recreation sites, which includes campsites, day-use facilities and boat ramps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, effective March 30.

“The health and safety of all visitors, partners, employees and their families is our top priority. These temporary closures align with current health authority guidance and are necessary to help control this disease,” said Melissa Rinehart, Portland District chief of natural resource management.

“We recognize the challenges this may cause our recreation users and local communities, and thank everyone for doing their part to help prevent the spread of the disease so we can return to normal operations as soon as possible.”

These closures support the State of Oregon and State of Washington executive orders to avoid unnecessary travel and practice social distancing, and also help to reduce pressure on local emergency services at a time when their capacity is lower and their focus is COVID-19.

The Corps is implementing closures by posting signs and closing gates at Portland District recreation areas located in Oregon and Washington. These closures will remain in effect until further notice.

Individuals with paid campground reservations will be contacted by email and full refunds will automatically be processed by Recreation.gov with no cancellation fees. Individuals should not attempt to contact Recreation.gov to request a refund as that will lead to a cancellation fee being charged.

The Corps will continually monitor guidance on the COVID-19 pandemic and update recreation conditions as they change.

Stay up-to-date with Portland District by visiting our website at: www.nwp.usace.army.mil.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, @PortlandCorps.
Questions? Call the public affairs office at 503-808-4510.

For information on the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), visit: coronavirus.gov.

Learn more about what the U.S. government is doing here: www.usa.gov/coronavirus

Learn more about what the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is doing here: www.usace.army.mil/Coronavirus/


Contact
Lauren Bennett
503-808-4510
cenwp-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 20-006