Mack Ridge access closed during fireworks display

GRAND JUNCTION, CO – The Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office, in cooperation with Mesa County, is closing access to Mack Ridge from 5 p.m., Sunday, July 3 to 5 a.m., Monday, July 4. The frontage road, located south of Interstate 70 in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (NCA), will be closed from the Loma exit to the Mack exit in an effort to enhance public safety and protect natural resources during the Lower Valley Fire District’s annual fireworks display.

Catalytic converters on vehicles often spark fires when drivers go off-road into tall, dry grasses—a common concern with wildland firefighters. Improperly disposed of cigarette butts add to this danger. A wildfire at this location could be particularly dangerous during the annual fireworks display, when there would likely be a large number of vehicles blocking each other’s escape routes. In recent years, the area has also experienced increased resource damage from off-road travel during the event.

“This spring’s rainfall created a large amount of cheat grass compared to recent years. That dried grass is now ready to burn, so fire danger is a big concern,” NCA Outdoor Recreation Planner Gene Arnesen said. “During past events, BLM staff has also had difficulty in protecting the area’s natural resources.” Mesa County Administrator Jon Peacock added, “The county commissioners are concerned for the public’s safety.”

People who are used to parking in this area to watch the fireworks display should plan on parking in designated areas such as the nearby Country Jam site. BLM also wants to remind the public that, while the Grand Valley has enjoyed a wet June, a Fire Prevention Order remains in effect prohibiting the possession or use of fireworks, including sparklers, on all federal lands. Fine fuels in the lower valley are abundant and extremely dry. The public is asked to use caution, as always, when enjoying your public lands this holiday weekend.

For additional information, contact Gene Arnesen at 970-244-3020.

-BLM-