For Immediate Release: June 13, 2007 
Contact: Mel Lloyd BLM 970-244-3097, or Tim Foley UCR 970-244-3101

Portion of Colorado River corridor included in area fire restrictions

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.— Fire restrictions take effect at 12:01 a.m., on Friday, June 15, 2007, for public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management located within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (NCA).  The affected area lies within the jurisdiction of the West Zone of the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit stationed in Grand Junction.  Mesa County lands and other public lands managed by the BLM are not impacted by these restrictions.  Fire Prevention Orders were signed earlier in the week by NCA Manager Paul Peck.

“We’ve already experienced a devastating wildfire on the river, where one of our few major cottonwood galleries was destroyed,” said NCA Manager Paul Peck. “The hot temperatures, lack of moisture and cured cheatgrass have combined to create a dangerous situation for allowing campfires.”

NCA officials will be enforcing temporary restrictions that include:

· Only campfires within fire grates provided for in developed campgrounds are allowed
· No smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or in a barren area free of vegetation
· No use of explosive materials
· No welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame
· No operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed and in working order

These are Stage 1 fire restrictions.  If hot and dry conditions persist, fire officials may move into Stage 2 restrictions which would mean no campfires, even in developed campgrounds.

Restrictions will be in place until further notice. Applicable authorities provided under Title 43 USC, Section 1733 and under 43 CFR 9212. Violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $100,000 or imprisonment for not more than 12 months or both (18 USC 3571).  For additional information, contact Park Ranger Troy Schnurr at (970) 244-3032.

-BLM-