BLM reopens Mckay’s Bend Campground and Boat Launch after wildfire
LEWISTON, Idaho—The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Cottonwood Field Office temporarily closed some BLM-managed public lands in Nez Perce County, due to the risk of the nearby Gwen and River Fires. This closure was essential to ensure public and firefighter safety and to allow fire fighting crews to respond effectively.
The temporary closure included the BLM-managed Mckay’s Bend Campground and Boat Launch, located 18 miles east of Lewiston, at mile post 18.6 on U.S. Highway 12. The site was evacuated on Thursday, July 25, 2024, due to multiple fires in the area.
The Gwen Fire, swept through the Campground and Boat Launch area. As it did so, several trailers, trees, and outbuildings were lost, but no casualties occurred. With coordination between Idaho Fish and Game and the BLM, the site has been cleaned up and hazards have been removed. While it may take some time for the aesthetic of the site to return, it is now safe and ready for visitors.
We would like to thank the public for abiding by the temporary closure order. During wildfire emergencies, human safety is the BLM’s foremost concern. The public’s response to the evacuation order and temporary closure allowed emergency responders and wildland firefighters to divert their attention to areas of higher need. As of August 22, 2024, the temporary closure has been lifted and McKay’s Bend Campground and Boat Launch is open to the public.
The BLM manages more than 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.