The Bureau of Land Management recently announced the acquisition of about 4,000 acres of private land along the John Day River in Central Oregon.
The land purchase is expected to restore healthy landscapes and increase public access to recreation opportunities, according to an April 19 BLM news release.
"The majority of feedback we received about the proposed acquisition was positive," Acting Central Oregon Field Manager Stephanie Mckinney said in the release. "We look forward to expanding dispersed recreation and hunting access along the John Day River.”
The land on the river's west side, about 14 miles east of Wasco, Ore., is generally referred to as McDonald's Ferry, on the west side of McDonald's Crossing, used during the 19th Century as part of the Oregon National Historic Trail, the release reported.
BLM expects to purchase the land from Western Rivers Conservancy and pay the parcels' appraised fair market value with financial support from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, according to the release. Before that, BLM must complete necessary realty transactions before obtaining the title to the land and will announce when public access is available.
"Until such time, the BLM requests that the public respects private property rights," the news release said.
Once the purchase is complete, the property will be managed in accordance with BLM's multiple-use mission, which includes a wide range of recreational opportunities, such as camping, boating access and hiking, the release reported.
"These lands will also be managed to maintain and restore healthy rangelands and wildlife habitat, including the restoration of critical habitat for the Mid-Columbia Summer Steelhead," the news release said.
The decision record approving the acquisition is available on the BLM ePlanning website.
Anyone who would like a copy of the documentation from the Prineville District Office may call 541-416-6700 weekdays 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays, or may may contact Project Lead Chris Ryan the same phone number or by email at cmryan@blm.gov, according to the ePlanning site.
