In the Spotlight

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BLM Closes Burned Area to Motorize Vehicle Use: The BLM has closed nearly 40,000 acres of public land near King Hill, Idaho to motorized vehicle travel due to the August 2011 Blair Fire. The motorized vehicle closure is necessary to protect fire rehabilitation efforts, as well as crucial winter habitat for mule deer and key sage-grouse habitat. 

Motorized vehicle restriction enforced north of Big Willow Creek to protect rare plant: The BLM is enforcing closure of 37 miles of roads and trails to motorized off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreational travel on public lands north of Big Willow Creek in Payette County to protect habitat for Packard’s milkvetch.  Motorized travel on lands adjacent to these roads and trails is also restricted.  Packard’s milkvetch was recently listed as a candidate species for protection under the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The closure affects approximately 7,100 acres of public lands northwest of Emmett.  Lands affected by the restriction will remain open to other uses, including non-motorized activities.  Opportunities for OHV riding without an admission charge are offered at the Clay Peak Motorcycle Park, located less than ten miles west of the Big Willow area on public lands leased to Payette County.

Motorized vehicle closures remain in place for rehab following 2010 wildfires: Nearly 1,920 acres of public land three miles northwest of Eagle, Idaho, and 6,900 acres 12 miles northeast of Mountain Home, Idaho, are closed to all motorized vehicle use after wildland fires in summer 2010.  The BLM replanted native vegetation in the burned areas and closed the two areas to allow it time to recover after the fires.  The two areas remain open to non-motorized recreation access. 

Four Rivers Field Office Land Status Map

BLM National Wild Horse and Burro website