Seasonal Closure Set to Protect Wildlife within the Dry Creek Travel Management Area
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MONTROSE, Colo. – In partnership with Stay the Trail, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Delta Correctional Prison Crew, the Bureau of Land Management is installing new gates within the Dry Creek Travel Management Area west of Montrose to protect habitat for wintering big game animals. The gates notify motorized and mechanized trail users of seasonal closures from December 1 to April 15 between Highway 90 and Rim Road.
The seasonal closures are part of the 2009 Dry Creek Travel Management Plan developed in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, recreation stakeholders, other agencies and interested members of the public. While motorized and mechanized travel is prohibited during the seasonal closure, the public can access the area at any time by foot and horse.
“Travel Management Plans are developed to determine sustainable routes within a specific geographic area,” said Julie Jackson, BLM Uncompahgre Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner. “We work with multiple partners to make informed decisions. The end result is a travel network that provides valuable recreational experiences while protecting natural resources.”
"We hope that people realize the importance of protecting winter range for our declining mule deer and elk herds," said Renzo DelPiccolo, Area Wildlife Manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife in Montrose. "This area is important winter range. Without protection there would be negative consequences for the deer and elk herds and for hunting opportunities in this area."
For more information, contact Julie Jackson, BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner, atjmjackson@blm.gov or (970) 240-5310. To learn more about the Dry Creek Travel Management Plan or to download maps of the area, go to http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ufo/travel_management/tmp_amendment.html.
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.