BLM announces temporary seasonal travel limitations for White Mountains National Recreation Area
Fairbanks, Alaska -The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Eastern Interior Field Office will begin the summer season travel limitations for the White Mountains National Recreation Area on May 1. As the summer season travel limitations take effect, off-highway vehicles will be temporarily restricted from the Wickersham Creek Trail, Trail Creek Trail, 23 Mile Trail, and Quartz Creek Trail to prevent damage to wet trails during the transition to summer.
“As the ground begins to thaw each spring, our trails are especially vulnerable. Even a few passes by off-highway vehicles on soft, saturated trails can create deep ruts that are difficult and time-consuming to repair,” said Acting BLM Eastern Interior Field Office Manager Angela Yemma. “We appreciate the public’s cooperation with this temporary restriction—it’s a small step that makes a big difference in preserving access and protecting the trails for everyone.”
The temporary restrictions begin May 1 and last until 12:01 a.m. on June 15 or until BLM staff determines that trails are sufficiently dry to allow off-highway vehicles use that will not damage trails. This is being implemented consistent with the Eastern Interior White Mountains Record of Decision and approved Resource Management Plan and White Mountains National Recreation Area Travel Management Area Travel Management Plan. During the temporary restriction, the trails remain open for hiking and other non-motorized use.
Signs will be posted at the trailheads to notify the public of the temporary restriction. BLM law enforcement rangers and other employees will be in the area to help inform the public about the special restriction. BLM staff will assess trail conditions during May and June and will lift the temporary restriction as soon as the trails have been determined to support off-highway vehicle use.
A map of the temporary motor vehicle use restrictions is included. Monitor conditions and temporary restrictions on the White Mountains Trail Conditions webpage. See the new BLM georeferenced PDF map Summer Recreation in the White Mountains National Recreation Area and Steese National Conservation Area to learn more about recreation sites and summer season travel limitations.
For more information, please contact the Fairbanks BLM Public Room at (907) 474-2200.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.