[ODFW-News] Much of White River Wildlife Area closed to public access

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Anne Pressentin Young (503) 947-6020	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 947-6009
	

For Immediate Release	Monday, January 26, 2004

Much of White River Wildlife Area closed to public access
Partial closure will be lifted when severe winter conditions improve

TYGH VALLEY - Extreme weather conditions with deep snow has forced the
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to close public access to many
portions of the White River Wildlife Area in central Oregon south of The
Dalles. 

ODFW will revisit the partial closure on a weekly basis. Full public
access will be reopened as soon as possible. Maps that show open areas
are available at the wildlife area headquarters. 

Deer, elk and pronghorn that winter in the area are struggling to
survive the deep, crusted snow, which has hindered access to feed and
makes travel difficult. Staff at the wildlife area documented an
increasing number of animal deaths in the past four weeks, with more
than 15 found dead so far this month. 

White River Wildlife Area has been feeding deer, elk and pronghorn at
the wildlife area since early December to help them survive the severe
winter. However, the concentration of animals attracts people seeking to
view and photograph the animals and to pick up shed antlers. The human
disburbance leads to increased stress and loss of body condition for
animals that already are struggling to get to food and water.

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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 947-6002