Temporary closure at Bridgeport extended

GRAND JUNCTION, CO – The Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office is constructing a new pedestrian bridge that will provide outdoor enthusiasts with safe and legal access to Dominguez Canyon. Concerns with public safety during construction have prompted BLM to extend its temporary closure of public land access to Dominguez Canyon from Bridgeport. Public access from the Gunnison River and its banks is also impacted in this area. Effective from November 20 through December 16, 2005, this closure prohibits all public use and entry from the gate at the Bridgeport parking area south for 1-¾ miles.

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 and boat launch are available for those who fish and boat on the Gunnison River downstream, or north, of Bridgeport. The Bridgeport parking area is accessed directly off the Bridgeport/Deer Creek Rd (39.50 Rd). However, that road is currently experiencing heavy truck traffic hauling wide loads. 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-

Editor’s Note: The new bridge will be set in place in the next two weeks. Excellent photo opportunities available. Please contact Mel Lloyd for details.