Site work at Bridgeport continues

GRAND JUNCTION, CO – Concerns with public safety, while crews complete site work around the new pedestrian bridge, have prompted the Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office to extend its temporary closure of public land access to Dominguez Canyon from Bridgeport. Effective from December 16, 2005 through January 13, 2006, the closure prohibits all public use and entry from the gate at the Bridgeport parking area south for 1-¾ miles. Public access from the Gunnison River and both its east and west banks is also closed to ensure public safety and reduce potential hazards to both the public and work crews.

Public access to the Dominguez WSA remains available through the Dominguez campground, the Tabeguache trail and the Cactus Park trailhead east of Hwy 141. The Bridgeport parking area is accessed directly off the Bridgeport/Deer Creek Rd (39.50 Rd). Other recreation opportunities available outside this area include the Gunnison Bluffs, Old Spanish Trail and the McCarty Trail.

43 CFR 9268.3(d) Operations-Closures (1) Closure of Lands provides for this temporary closure. Those choosing to violate the closure order could face up to $1,000 in fines or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Neighboring private landowners and their agents, and employees of the general contractor, railroad and BLM working in their official capacity are exempt from the closure. For additional information, contact Recreation Program Manager Britta Laub at (970) 244-3031.

-BLM-