[ODFW-News] Bridge access to Schneider Wildlife Area remains closed

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: John Day Field Office, (541) 575-1167	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (541) 575-0948
	
For Immediate Release	Wednesday, May 28, 2003

Flat Creek Bridge access to Phillip Schneider Wildlife Area remains closed to public use

DAYVILLE- The bridge across the John Day River at the Flat Creek access to the Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area will remain closed for the foreseeable future due to unsafe conditions, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said today

Until the bridge is repaired, access to this part of the wildlife area is closed to motor vehicles except for administrative use (i.e. ODFW, Oregon State Police and adjacent private landowner with ODFW permit). The public may access the wildlife area by foot until the bridge is repaired. Parking at this access point is very limited and confined to the approach off of Highway 26, approximately 6 miles south of Dayville.

The bridge was closed Nov. 15, 2002, by ODFW after a certified engineer deemed it unsafe for public use. The bridge is the only publicly maintained vehicle access point to the north end of the wildlife area. It was necessary to close the access road to all motorized vehicles beyond the bridge due to continuing bridge decay and public use liability.
 
The cost to repair the bridge is estimated to be in excess of $50,000. In an effort to obtain the funds needed for repairs, ODFW has submitted applications for private foundation and federal funding. To date, $10,000 has been secured from the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation contingent upon receiving other grant funding. ODFW is awaiting replies for additional funds.
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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 872-5264 ext 5528