Improvements underway at North Spit staging area, Feb. 1

BLM news release.  In an effort to curb long-term camping and trash dumping on the North Spit, the Bureau of Land Management Coos Bay District plans to place rocks in the area to limit vehicle parking.  As stewards, the BLM manages public lands for the benefit of current and future generations, as well as to provide a safe environment for people to connect to the outdoors. A smaller parking lot will remain at the staging area to provide access to the North Spit trail system and sand roads, and additional parking is available at the North Spit day use area and boat ramp just down the road from the staging area. “The staging area was originally created to provide trailhead parking and serve as a jumping off point for people who wanted to drive the sand roads on the North Spit. There are no restrooms, trash cans, or other facilities that support safe and sanitary long-term camping,” said Kathy Westenskow, Coos Bay District Manager. Over the past year, the BLM has seen an increase in the number of people staying at the staging area and camping far longer than the 14-day stay limit.  The BLM manages 1,864 acres of public lands on the North Spit, including 10 miles of trails that are popular with hikers and horseback riders.