BLM announces winter closures near Steamboat Springs to protect wildlife
Event Description
CRAIG, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management Little Snake Field Office will begin winter range closures Dec. 1 near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, to reduce the stress on wildlife and protect natural resources.
All areas south of the Ridge Trail in Emerald Mountain Special Recreation Management Area, including Beall Trail and Kemry Draw, are closed to all forms of entry from Dec. 1 through June 30 to protect elk during winter and calving seasons. This closure corresponds with Colorado Parks and Wildlife lands to the east.
“Wildlife are especially vulnerable this time of year, and human disturbance can seriously jeopardize their survival,” said Jim Michels, Deputy District Manager for the Northwest District. “We’re asking everyone to respect the seasonal closures to help protect these animals during this critical period.”
Visitors are encouraged to use Ridge, Rotary and Wild Rose trails at Emerald Mountain SRMA as they are open all year.
Maps of the closure area are available at the Little Snake Field Office. For further information, contact the Little Snake Field Office, (970) 826-5000, visit the field office seasonal closures webpage.
An interactive map of all BLM Colorado seasonal closures is also available online.
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.