The U.S. Forest Service and more than a dozen other federal, state and local agencies in and around the Columbia River Gorge are conducting a social media campaign encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to “do the right thing” and comply with public health directives to stay home and reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Public lands and water access within the boundaries of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area are temporarily closed lands to adhere to state executive orders.  Despite the closures, visitation to public lands has remained high, and last weekend, thousands of people converged again at parks, sites and trails.  The social media campaign asks people to respect closures, and don’t circumvent them by “bushwhacking through the backcountry,” and taking unnecessary risks that may put a strain on local law enforcement and medical resources.  The Oregon and Washington Departments of Transportation and Multnomah County Roads Department are supporting the effort by updating messaging signs for those entering the Gorge and temporarily placing barricades to limit access to highly visited areas.  Local law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols in the area.