Temporary Trail Closures in the White Mountains National Recreation Area
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FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Due to extremely saturated trails, the Bureau of Land Management Eastern Interior Field Office (EIFO) is temporarily closing the Wickersham Creek, Trail Creek, and Quartz Creek trails to all motorized vehicles including off-highway vehicles (OHVs).
"The record amounts of snowfall this winter have caused the trails to become very saturated,” said Field Manager Tim Hammond. “To continue use of these trails during this time would further damage the resource and potentially cause long term effects to the surrounding areas. I appreciate the public’s understanding and support in this temporary closure to ensure the enjoyment of the trails for future users."
The closure begins May 10 and will last until the trails are sufficiently dry to allow OHV and other motorized vehicle use that will not cause damage to the trails, as is indicated in the Eastern Interior White Mountains Record of Decision and approved Resource Management Plan. The temporary closure to OHV use is anticipated to last through May. The trails remain open for hiking and other non-motorized use.
Signs will be posted to notify the public of the temporary closure at all White Mountains National Recreation Area public access points and trailheads. BLM staff will assess trail conditions during May and will lift the temporary closure as soon as the trails have been determined to support OHV and motorized vehicle use.
A map of the area is attached.
For more information, please contact Teri Balser at 907-474-2231.
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.