For Immediate Release: June 27, 2007 
Contact: Mel Lloyd BLM 970-244-3097

Motorized access to Devils Canyon area restricted during Fruita fireworks display

FRUITA, Colo. — The McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (NCA) and Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office (GJFO), in conjunction with the City of Fruita and Mesa County, are implementing an emergency temporary closure to motorized vehicles from 3 p.m., Tuesday, July 3, to 5 a.m., Wednesday, July 4, on the Dinosaur Hill and Kings View Roads located in the NCA and accessed off Highway 340, south of Fruita.  Parking areas adjacent to these roads, including the popular Devils Canyon, Dinosaur Hill, and Pollock Bench Trailheads, are also covered in the closure. 

“Concerns for public safety and natural resource protection during the Lower Valley Fire District fireworks display led to the decision to close the area to motorized traffic,” NCA Manager Paul Peck said.  “Vegetation in the area is at flash point, and any source of ignition could easily start a fire and be a threat to the public.” 

The City of Fruita and Mesa County are also implementing a temporary closure to motorized vehicles on their portions of these roads.  The fireworks display is scheduled for Tuesday evening, July 3, at Snooks Bottom. 

Both the GJFO and McInnis Canyons NCA are under Stage I fire restrictions.  Please take additional precautions to prevent wildfires, such as clearing the brush around campfire rings, making sure campfires are "dead out" before leaving them, smoking only in cleared areas, and avoiding parking in tall, dry grass.  Always carry a shovel and water with you to extinguish fires.  Remember also that possessing or using fireworks on public lands is illegal year-round.  Anyone found responsible for starting a wildland fire may be held liable for the cost of putting it out and/or damages caused by the fire, imprisonment or both.

Any person who violates this emergency temporary closure on public lands could be fined no more that $100,000 or imprisoned for no more than 12 months, or both.  For additional information about this BLM closure, contact Matt McGrath at (970) 244-3029.  For additional information about the fireworks display, contact Ture Nycum, City of Fruita recreation director, at (970) 858-0360. 

-BLM-