Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Newsroom

News contact: Angelica Johnson 541-523-1364

April 18, 2008

BUCK CREEK BRIDGE WILL CLOSE IN MAY

Baker City, OR. In May, due to safety concerns, the La Grande Ranger District will close the bridge on Forest Road 7787 where it crosses the North Fork Catherine Creek at Buck Creek. In July the bridge will be removed.

In 1993 a temporary bridge was installed until a new permanent bridge could be constructed; then in 1999, a 5-ton load restriction was placed on the temporary bridge. Settling abutments and worsening conditions continue to erode the south downstream footing prompting the closure.

“Safety of forest users is our primary concern,” said Kurt Wiedenmann, La Grande District Ranger. “Our hope is that we can secure adequate funding and rebuild the bridge in the future.”

The road is a popular route for a variety of recreational users including hunters, hikers, riders, and firewood cutters. It provides access to the Buck Creek Trailhead and Campground, and the South Catherine Creek drainage for range, fire fighting, and timber access purposes. Ultimately this road is part of a loop that ties in with Forest Road 77 at Taylor Green.

An alternate route has been identified by the La Grande Ranger District. It includes taking Forest Road 77 from State Hwy. 203 to Taylor Green and connecting to Forest Road 7700-600 which leads into the Buck Creek vicinity. Buck Creek Trailhead and Campground will be open with limited services.

Maps and additional information will be posted at businesses in Union and Cove when the road is closed and the bridge removed.

For more information on the project contact Kurt Wiedenmann, La Grande District Ranger at (541)-962-8582, or Mark Gomez, Project and Road Manager at 541-963-8591.

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