The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) today published an interim final rule to limit camping at Bastendorff Beach. Camping on public land at the beach is limited to a single 24 hour stay in any 14-day period as of April 1, 2016. The BLM invites the public to submit comments on the new camping rule until May 31, 2016. The BLM is interested in hearing feedback on the new camping limit and the clarity of the rule’s wording. The rule is available at https://federalregister.gov/a/2016-07382. Comments should be submitted via postal mail or email to the BLM, Umpqua Field Office, Attention: Heather Partipilo, 1300 Airport Lane, North Bend, OR 97459 or BLM_OR_CB_Mail@blm.gov. The BLM may modify the interim supplementary rule based on the substantive comments the agency receives during the comment period. “The BLM agrees that the current situation at Bastendorff Beach is unacceptable,” said Todd Buchholz, Umpqua Field Office Manager. “The highest priority of the BLM and the partners managing the site is to provide a safe and sanitary place for visitors to enjoy the beach. This rule to limit camping next to the beach is one of several actions we are taking to improve the site.” The 24-hour camping rule is enforceable with the publication of the interim final supplementary rule in the Federal Register today. This will relieve recreational visitors and nearby residents of the immediate and ongoing health and safety risks at Bastendorff Beach due to the proliferation of long-term camping at the site. The BLM, agency partners, neighbors and the visiting public have witnessed an increase in long-term camping at Bastendorff Beach, bringing with it issues of crime, sanitation and enforcement. Recent changes to BLM policy meant the stay limit reverted to the 14-day limit common to all BLM lands in Oregon, thus requiring the agency to publish a new rule to reinstate the 24-hour camping limit. The BLM cooperatively manages Bastendorff Beach with Oregon State Parks and Coos County. The 24-hour camping limit was analyzed and approved in the Bastendorff Beach Cooperative Management Plan and Environmental Assessment, signed by all of the partners in June 2011.
