Temporary road closures to benefit sage grouse

GUNNISON, CO—The Bureau of Land Management is temporarily closing a number of roads, effective immediately, to motorized vehicles to prevent damage during wet and muddy spring conditions. The BLM is also working in cooperation with Gunnison County and the Colorado Division of Wildlife to reduce disturbance to Gunnison Sage Grouse. As a result, roads in close proximity to sage grouse areas will open about two weeks later.

“Human disturbance to sage grouse during their mating season has been shown to have a negative effect on the population of these unique birds,” BLM Wildlife Biologist Sandy Borthwick said. “With the added emphasis on protecting this scarce species, BLM is working with several groups in the valley to reduce impacts and aid in the bird’s recovery.”

Roads closed to motorized vehicles until May 26 to protect sage grouse, in conjunction with Gunnison County closures, include:
· South Parlin Flats road (County Rd 42) and spur roads from Hwy. 114 (3076)
· Six Mile Lane (3072)
· Road from Tomichi Heights to Signal Peak (3123)
· Big Mesa road (County Rd 32)
· Additional roads may be closed if water damage or disturbance to sage grouse is identified.

Roads that will be temporarily closed to motorized vehicles and open on May 15 include:
· North Parlin Flats road (3103)
· Tomichi Dome road (3094).
· Kezar Basin road (3038)
· Nine Mile Hill Road (3038)
· Roads north of the Woods Gulch cutoff (3096 and 802)
· Hartman Rocks south of the powerline (this closure also applies to mountain bikes and horses)
· Hikers, bikers and runners using BLM trails behind the college should avoid going north of the large antennae before 9 a.m.

Roads temporarily closed to motorized vehicles and reopening when deemed dry enough to avoid damage include:
· Cabin Creek road (3107)
· Dry Gulch and Sewell Rim roads (3106)
· Lower Hartman Rocks Area north of the powerline (this closure also applies to mountain bikes and horses)

The BLM would also like to remind those driving on public land this spring to use good judgment, even if the road is not closed by a gate. Ruts collect and concentrate snowmelt, eroding deeper ruts and stream banks, quickening the delivery of sediment and water into streams. Soil eroded from the ruts is transported into streams affecting fish and other aquatic life. Ruts created by driving on soft roads last a long time and can be considered resource damage. Persons can be cited for damaging roads on BLM public lands. In addition, preventing damage to roads lowers maintenance costs paid for with taxpayer dollars. Please stay on designated routes with any vehicle or mountain bike—cross-country travel is not allowed on public lands administered by the BLM Gunnison Field Office.

Private landowners requiring access on any of the roads impacted by these temporary closures are asked to contact Art Hayes at (970) 642-4452, or the BLM Gunnison Field Office at (970) 641-0471. These are your public lands and resources—BLM appreciates your cooperation in protecting them.

-BLM-