PORTLAND, Ore. –  The Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington, in partnership with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, is now accepting applications for the Rural Fire Readiness program. The program enhances wildland firefighting safety and response across the region by providing critical training, equipment, and communication tools to local cooperators. The BLM is accepting applications until April 30.

The RFR program supports rural partners who protect private, Tribal, state, and federal lands by providing resources such as wildland firefighting vehicles and specialized supplies. The BLM and USWFS help local agencies safeguard lives, property, and ecosystems.

"Collaborating with our rural partners is essential for effective wildfire response," said Larae Guillory, Fire Operations Specialist. "This program ensures those who are the first on the ground have the resources needed to protect their communities."

Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for equipment transfers, applicants must:

• Maintain an existing cooperative fire response agreement with the BLM and/or USWFS.

• Serve a rural community with wildland fire protection responsibilities.

• Operate near lands administered by the Department of the Interior, within a wildland-urban interface, or alongside an established Rangeland Fire Protection Association.

• Respond to wildland fires in support of the USWFS as needed.

• Provide a clear benefit to the Department of the Interior’s land management goals.

How to Apply
Applications are available online and in print. Cooperators are highly encouraged to consult with their local USWFS staff before applying to ensure all requirements are met.

• Online: Submit via the Rural Fire Readiness Application page.
• By Mail/In-Person: Submit printed PDF applications to the USWFS staff at your local BLM office.

All submissions will be reviewed by local staff following the April 30 deadline. For more information or to find a local office, contact Larae Guillory at lguillory@blm.gov or visit the Rural Fire Readiness program website.

NOTE: Media interested in interviewing a USWFS expert in wildland fire and the RFR please reach out to the media contact above.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

BLM to improve infrastructure at recreation sites in Okanogan County

Split Rock Day Use Area and Chopaka Lake Campground to close temporarily for construction

WENATCHEE, Wash. – The Bureau of Land Management announces that construction will take place at the Split Rock Day Use Area and Chopaka Lake Campground between April 1, and October 31. To ensure public safety and facilitate important upgrades, both recreation sites will be closed for a week or more while the heaviest part of construction is underway.

There will be no public access to Split Rock Day Use Area, including the boat ramp, and Chopaka Lake Campground during the closure period. The exact dates of will be posted as soon as construction schedules are finalized. All visitors are advised to plan ahead and use alternative recreation and camping facilities in the area during this time.

The upgrades are part of the BLM’s ongoing commitment to providing safe and enjoyable experiences for all visitors. Work crews and heavy equipment will be present, and access restrictions are required to ensure the safety of both workers and the public.

At Chopaka Lake, crews will reshape the campground and add fresh gravel to improve site drainage and accessibility. The project also includes installing new picnic tables and fire rings, alongside updated bulletin boards to provide better information for visitors.

Construction at the Split Rock Day Use Area will focus on essential repairs to the boat ramp and restriping the parking lot. These updates are designed to improve traffic flow and ensure the facility remains a reliable access point for boaters and recreational users for years to come.

For more information, please contact the BLM Wenatchee Field Office at (509) 665-2100.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

BLM to improve infrastructure at multiple recreation sites in Yakima County

Big Pines and Roza Campgrounds and boat ramps to close temporarily for construction

WENATCHEE, Wash. – The Bureau of Land Management announces that construction will take place at the Big Pines and Roza campgrounds, including associated boat ramps, April 1- October 31. To ensure public safety and facilitate important upgrades, both campgrounds and their boat ramps will be closed for up to two weeks while the heaviest part of construction is underway.

There will be no public access to Big Pines and Roza campgrounds or boat ramps during the closure period. The exact dates of closure will be posted as soon as construction schedules are finalized. All visitors are advised to plan ahead and use alternative boat ramps and camping facilities in the area during this time.

The temporary closures are necessary to allow for critical improvements to campground infrastructure and boat ramp access. These upgrades are part of the BLM’s ongoing commitment to providing safe and enjoyable experiences for all visitors. Work crews and heavy equipment will be present, and access restrictions are required to ensure the safety of both workers and the public.

For more information, please contact the BLM Wenatchee Field Office at (509) 665-2100.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

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