Temporary closure during construction of new recreation sites

MONTROSE, CO—The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Uncompahgre Field Office is temporarily closing approximately 5 acres of BLM public land within the San Miguel river corridor during the construction of two new recreation sites. BLM engineers and the project contractor have requested the closure, which is effective July 11, to ensure public safety. Construction should be completed by September 11, contingent upon weather or other factors beyond BLM’s control. The sites are located along Hwy. 145 downstream from Placerville and were chosen because they are already heavily impacted from use.

“The public will enjoy designated campsites with picnic tables and grills, restrooms, and graveled boat ramps once the projects are finished,” BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner Julie Stotler said.

The BLM manages approximately 38,000 acres within the San Miguel river corridor from Deep Creek to Pinon Bridge, near Nucla, as the San Miguel Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA). Within the SRMA is a 24,000-acre Area of Critical Environmental Concern, or ACEC, stretching from Leopard Creek, near Placerville, downstream to Horsefly Creek, near Pinon.

The temporary closure restricts all public use, including, but not limited to, vehicle operation, day use, fishing, boating, camping, recreational mining and sightseeing use. Maps of the closure area may be obtained from the Uncompahgre Field Office, 2505 S. Townsend Avenue, in Montrose. For additional information, please contact Julie Stotler at 970-240-5310.

-BLM-