| Contacts: | Christopher B. Joyner (970) 210-2126 |
BLM closes lands burned by Pine Ridge Fire (07-10-12)
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is closing the 13,000-acre area burned by the Pine Ridge Fire to all public use due to potentially dangerous conditions and to reduce the potential of erosion.
All motorized vehicle, mechanized vehicle and foot travel entry will be restricted during this temporary closure, which begins July 12 until further notice. BLM will post closure signs at main entry points to this area. Maps of the closure area and information are available at http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gjfo.html or from the BLM Grand Junction Field Office, 2815 H Road.
“Given the hazards in this area, the continuing work of the rehabilitation team, and the potential for severe erosion that could increase sediment in the Colorado River, a complete closure is necessary until further notice,” said Grand Junction Field Manager Catherine Robertson.
Exceptions to this closure include any Federal, State, or local officer or employee in the scope of their duties, members of any organized rescue or fire-fighting force in performance of an official duty, and any person authorized in writing by the Bureau of Land Management.
Any person who violates this closure may be tried before a United States Magistrate and fined up to $1,000 or imprisoned for up to 12 months, or both.
The lightning-ignited Pine Ridge Fire burned 13,920 acres northeast of Grand Junction between June 27 and July 4, 2012.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. In Fiscal Year 2012, activities on public lands generated $4.6 billion in revenue, much of which was shared with the States where the activities occurred. In addition, public lands contributed more than $112 billion to the U.S. economy and helped support more than 500,000 jobs.
2815 H Road Grand Junction, CO 81506