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BLM Colorado modifies land closures in Mesa County for public, firefighter safety

Grand Junction FO
Media Contact
BLM Office:
Upper Colorado River District Office
Topographic map with areas of BLM-managed lands closed for safety precautions because of wildfire activity
CLOSURE MAP: BLM-manage public lands in Grand Junction Field Office closed in the interest of public safety because of nearby wildfire activity.

 

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — The Bureau of Land Management is reopening some public lands and closing other areas in Mesa County because of fire activity in the area. The order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until the Turner Gulch and Wright Draw Fires are declared controlled or until this order is rescinded. This emergency closure is necessary to ensure public and firefighter safety during firefighting activities and initial suppression rehabilitation efforts.

Closure Areas

This closure modifies previous closures and affects all BLM lands in the vicinity of Unaweep Canyon that are east of the Palisade to the north of Highway 141 near Fish Creek; and east of the Casto Draw to the south of Highway 141, as bounded by private land and the boundary of Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest. Please see map for detailed locations.

This closure order opens some areas previously closed to the public. The burned landscape, including vegetation, is still changing and recovering from the fire. People visiting these areas should be extra careful and alert, as the recovery process can make the landscape unpredictable.

 

Exceptions to the Closure

This closure will remain in place until safe access can be ensured. All public access to these lands is prohibited, with specific exemptions for:

  • Federal, state, and local officers and employees in the performance of their official duties
  • Members of organized rescue or fire-fighting forces in the performance of their official duties
  • People with written authorization from the BLM

Legal Penalties

Violations of this emergency order may lead to prosecution, with fines and possible imprisonment.

Additional details and a closure map will be available on the Upper Colorado River District Fire Restrictions webpage. 

We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize safety and resource integrity during this critical time. For further information, please contact the Grand Junction Field Office Front Desk at 970-244-3000.

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.