BLM Issues Temporary Travel Restrictions in Gore Canyon

KREMMLING, CO — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued a temporary travel restriction for portions of public lands in the Gore Canyon near Kremmling beginning Friday, August 19th through Sunday August 21, 2005, in conjunction with the Gore Canyon Race and Whitewater Cup.

To provide for public safety during the rafting weekend, the travel restriction will include all BLM lands on the north side of the Colorado River from Pumphouse Campground to the confluence of the Colorado and Blue Rivers. Walk-in access is restricted to the designated trail along the south side of the Colorado River to a point where a ferry crossing will be provided between Kirschbaum and Tunnel Rapid. From this point, spectators may proceed up the river to Gore Falls on river right following the flags marking the access boundary; however, the walk beyond this point is difficult. All other routes and areas within the travel restriction boundary are closed to all forms of access and the railroad tracks are off limits to pedestrians at all times.

Law-enforcement officers will be placed at the river put-in and will be stationed throughout the railroad corridor to keep everyone off the tracks and in compliance with the travel closure. Anyone knowingly violating the temporary closure could face a $1,000 fine and up to 12 months in prison. Dogs are highly discouraged and the Grand County leash law will be enforced at this event.

The travel restriction notice and maps of the restricted area will be posted throughout the Pumphouse Campground, at the confluence of the Colorado and Blue Rivers, and at the BLM Kremmling Field Office. The closure map can also be viewed on the web at http://mountainbuzz.com/viewtopic.php?t=6380 and http://www.rapidpulse.com/events.htm under “Gore Canyon Race.”

The rafting weekend entails the Whitewater Cup as well as three other races throughout Saturday and Sunday. The Whitewater Cup is the selection race for the US National Men's and Women's Rafting Teams, and will be run in combination with the traditional Gore Canyon River Race.

If you have any questions about this temporary restriction, please contact BLM Kremmling Park Ranger Ryan Homan at 970-724-3040, or Dennis Gale at (970) 724-3005.

-BLM-