BLM to temporarily close Chain of Lakes sites for water system upgrades
BUTTE, Mont. — The Bureau of Land Management will temporarily close several recreation sites in the Chain of Lakes area throughout the summer as contractors replace outdated potable water and irrigation systems to provide more dependable water service to the public.
The BLM will stagger the closures throughout the summer months, ensuring only one site is closed at any given time. All sites will be open during the Fourth of July and Labor Day holiday weekends.
Visitors with reservations at one of the sites during the closure periods should check their email for cancellation notifications and refund confirmation.
"The BLM recognizes the inconvenience these closures may cause and appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation,” said Brandy Janzen, Acting BLM Butte Field Manager. “These temporary restrictions allow us to invest in the sites and address long-term maintenance issues, improving visitors’ experiences in the future.”
The construction and closure schedule is as follows:
Devil’s Elbow
Water system line replacement is scheduled June 8–23. Camping will be unavailable during this period. Alternative camping may be available at White Sandy, Holter Lake or Log Gulch campgrounds. For more information, call 406-233‑1093.
Clark’s Bay
Irrigation and potable water systems will be replaced June 24–30. Day‑use alternatives may be available at Devil’s Elbow, White Sandy, Holter Lake or Log Gulch. For more information, call 406-233‑1093.
White Sandy
Water system and irrigation line replacement will occur July 6–31. Visitors seeking alternative camping may consider Devil’s Elbow, Holter Lake or Log Gulch. For more information, call 406-258‑0279.
Log Gulch
Water system replacement will take place Aug. 4–14. Alternative camping may be available at Devil’s Elbow, Holter Lake or White Sandy. For details, call 406-258‑0276.
Holter Lake
Construction will occur Aug. 20–Sept. 4 and Sept. 8–12. The site will remain open for Labor Day weekend. Alternative camping opportunities may be available at Devil’s Elbow, White Sandy or Log Gulch. For more information, call 406-233‑1098.
“We understand the timing of this construction isn’t ideal, but it must be completed during the construction season window to avoid weather disruptions,” said Janzen.
Chip seal work is also anticipated in August for Devil’s Elbow and Clark’s Bay, but exact dates are yet to be determined.
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.