River delta closure enacted

By Sharon Nesbit

The Gresham Outlook, Nov 17, 2009, Updated Nov 18, 2009

Contributed photo

A large pile of garbage and household trash was dumped on the access road of the Sandy River Delta last weekend.

Garbage dumping, vandalism, alcohol and drug-related crimes and vagrancy have caused the U.S. Forest Service to implement a dusk to dawn closure of the parking lot and access road to the Sandy River Delta beginning Tuesday, Dec. 1.

While there is no gate to the site, the closure permits law enforcement officials to issue tickets to people found in the area at night.

The 1,200-acre delta is at the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and is a popular daytime recreation site for dog owners and at this season, waterfowl hunters.

The delta has always been regarded as a day-use site only, but illegal activities have increased the burden for law enforcement officials. Limiting nighttime activities should alleviate some of the problems, said Jen Kevil of the scenic area office.

A large pile of garbage and household trash was dumped on the access road last weekend.

The closure applies to the access road and parking lot. The closure order will be posted and well-signed, officials said, and law enforcement officers will patrol the area to supply information on the closure.

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