| Contacts: | Heather Tiel-Nelson (208) 736-2352 |
BLM Implements Seasonal Closure in the South Hills
TWIN FALLS, ID – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Burley Field Office will implement a seasonal road closure in the South Hills from January 16 to March 15, 2010. This seasonal closure, which has been in place since 2000, is designed to protect crucial mule deer winter range and sage-grouse habitat. The BLM has placed signs in the area to notify the public of the closure, and gates have been installed to prevent trespass.
The road closure includes all BLM-managed lands in the South Hills from the western most entrance of North Cottonwood Creek Road on the western boundary to the private land adjacent to Dry Creek Road on the eastern boundary.
The seasonal closure applies to all motorized vehicles except those specifically authorized to access the area. Authorized access is provided for search and rescue; emergency medical services; and law enforcement personnel. Authorization is also provided for administratively approved actions such as livestock grazing activity, access to private lands, resource monitoring and research studies. The area is open to the public for non-motorized use.
The Magic Valley Regional Office of the Idaho Department of Fish & Game supports the closure and the need to protect wildlife in this area. The habitat area is important for maintaining over-wintering of mule deer herds and is popular for hunting and wildlife viewing during other times of the year.
For additional information, please call BLM Burley Field Office Recreation Planner Dennis Thompson at (208) 677-6600
The BLM manages more land - over 245 million acres - than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.