Annual seasonal closures begin Dec. 1 in Mesa, Delta and Montrose Counties to protect wildlife
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Annual winter closures to motorized and mechanized vehicles will go into effect Dec. 1 on select public lands in Mesa, Delta and Montrose Counties to reduce stress on wintering wildlife and prevent road damage. All areas continue to be open to hiking and horseback riding.
Seasonal closures occur from Dec. 1 to May 1 for Coal Canyon Road in the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area, Blue Mesa, Beehive, Chalk Mountain, Grand Mesa Slopes at Horse Mountain, Sink Creek, Mesa Creek, Gibbler Gulch, Wagon Park, Sawmill Mesa and Lands End roads. Also, roads branching from 16 Road will be closed at Garvey, Post and Lapham canyons. Maps for these closures are available online at https://go.usa.gov/xnKnA.
“We coordinate with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to identify areas that are important to wintering wildlife,” said Wayne Werkmeister, acting BLM Grand Junction field manager. “These closures represent the most important habitats wildlife depend on to survive in a normal to severe winter. Please respect these closures to ensure healthy wildlife populations for future hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities.”
Users of BLM-managed lands during winter months can help wintering deer and elk by observing wildlife closures, as well as viewing wildlife from a distance and keeping dogs under control, preferably leashed.
"These habitats are critical to the animals’ ability to survive,” said J.T. Romatzke, Colorado Parks and Wildlife northwest regional manager. “By reducing the impacts of human use, we allow wildlife the opportunity to survive these often long winter months.”
For more information, call the BLM Grand Junction Field Office at (970) 244-3000.
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.