Prospect, Ore–August 16, 2024—The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest will be issuing a temporary area closure for tribal ceremonial purposes on Huckleberry Mountain, which includes Huckleberry camping area and the surrounding area. The closure was requested by the Klamath Tribe. Pursuant to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and the Cultural and Heritage Cooperation Authority, the US Forest Service is required to ensure access to National Forest System land, to the maximum extent practicable, by Indians and Indian tribes for traditional and cultural purposes.
The temporary closure will be implemented once per year for approximately ten days within a six-week period spanning between August 1 – September 15. The closure period will vary from year to year. In 2024, the closure will begin on August 16, 2024 and terminate on August 26, 2024. Full closure order will be posted here https://bit.ly/RRSNFAlerts.
“It’s been a long time in making this happen through good coordination efforts between the Klamath Tribe and the Forest Service. It’s great that we’re now able to put something together to bloom. We hope this to be a successful event and look forward to working together in future years,” said Tribal Council Member-at-Large Les Anderson.
The closure exempts 1) those with a specific authorizing permit, 2) any organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of official duty and 3) any member of the Klamath Tribes, or those invited by the Klamath Tribes, to participate in ceremonial activities.
Closure notices, road closed signs will be posted in the affected areas. Nearby alternative huckleberry picking and dispersed camping areas have been identified, you can find that information here: https://linktr.ee/
“By implementing this closure, we are recognizing and celebrating tribal ceremony for our local indigenous tribes,” said Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Supervisor Molly Juillerat.