As the Coronavirus is rapidly spreading throughout our country, it’s our duty to safeguard ourselves and our neighbors as much as possible. For this reason i’m suggesting that Smith Rock State Park be immediately closed to all visitors for the foreseeable time to help mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus to our small community here in Central Oregon.

Smith Rock State Park is one of the smallest state parks in the state, but also one of/if not the most profitable state park in the state. It draws all different kinds of people, from climbers to hikers, to everyone in between. Averaging over 700,000 visitors every year, this small park regularly hosts many user groups on a daily basis. 

As most of us here in Central Oregon, if not the whole country are taking the necessary steps to safeguard against this new pandemic, there are still people traveling to other regions of the country to go rock climbing. With all of the rock gyms in the country closed, people are looking elsewhere to go climbing. With Smith Rock located close to several metropolis hubs in the US and as the nice weather rolls in, the easy access to this climbing area is drawing people in from all over the country. 

Central Oregon is located in a more isolated part of the state/country. While this provides a sense of security right now, if the Coronavirus were to hit our small towns in full effect, it would be devastating. This petition was created to spread the word throughout our community in Central Oregon, informing all people, not just climbers, to how many others are traveling from outside of the area to recreate at Smith Rock. 

Now it’s sad to think of how many regular and visiting user groups won’t be able to enjoy the park but it’s a small price to pay to help stem the spread of a global pandemic. Several people have also made the point of getting outside is still just as important to help handle mental health and basic wellness, and I couldn’t agree more. There’s 15.7 million acres of public accessible BLM land in Oregon. You have other options. 

Along with signing this petition, please call Governor Kate Brown’s Office (503) 378-4582 to voice your concern and to help close Smith Rock State Park for the foreseeable future. 

Thanks for reading,

Chris Hatzai