Nov. 25, 2008

Contact: David Boyd, Public Affairs Specialist, (970) 947-2832

Glenwood BLM winter closures to begin
Gate at Transfer Trail closes tomorrow

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. – Winter closures on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management’s Glenwood Springs Field Office will go into effect Dec.1 to protect critical big game winter range and prevent road damage. 

These seasonal gate closures occur annually from Dec. 1 to April 30 at several points in the Castle Peak area in Eagle County, East Elk Creek in Garfield County, and on Light Hill and the Crown in Pitkin County.

All of the areas continue to be open to non-motorized recreation opportunities such as hiking, snowshoeing, horseback riding and skiing.

The lower gate at Transfer Trail above Glenwood Springs will be closed Nov. 26 to maintain snow conditions for snowmobiling.

“We appreciate the public’s cooperation in helping us protect wildlife and public lands,” said Steve Bennett, Acting Glenwood Springs Field Manager.

At the request of the Colorado Division of Wildlife, BLM is continuing to allow motorized access through one gate at Windy Point near State Bridge and two gates in Gypsum Hills through Jan. 15 to facilitate access for the late season elk hunt. Normally these areas are closed to motorized access Dec. 1 as well. 

BLM’s Wolcott and Gypsum campgrounds are closed for the winter and will reopen this spring when conditions allow.

For additional information or to report violations in these areas call the Glenwood Springs Field Office, (970) 947-2800.

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