Uncompahgre Field Office

The Uncompahgre Field Office (UFO) manages nearly 900,000 acres of public land in BLM Colorado's Southwest District, including four river systems—the Gunnison, San Miguel, Dolores, and Uncompahgre. The topography ranges from lowland riparian along the Dolores River (at around 4,700 feet) to red rock desert to a moonscape of highly erodible Mancos Shale badlands to the piñon-juniper woodlands of the Uncompahgre Plateau.

Field Office Spotlight

Seasonal Closures in Effect

Annual seasonal closures are in effect to prevent road and trail damage and reduce stress to wintering wildlife in identified areas of the UFO, including Gunnison Gorge and Dominguez-Escalante national conservation areas. Before heading out, be sure to review maps and detailed information on closure areas, dates, and affected modes of transportation online at https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-activities/colorado/closures/uncompahgre-field-office. The end of the closure period varies from area to area.

Seasonal closures apply to all or specific areas within:

•  Burn Canyon Special Recreation Management area (through April 30)
•  Dry Creek Special Recreation Management Area (end of closure period varies)
•  Jumbo Mountain Special Recreation Management Area (through April 15)
•  Ridgway Special Recreation Management Area (through April 30)
•  Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (through May 15)
•  Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area (through April 30)

A number of animal species, including elk and mule deer, have been found to be more vulnerable to disturbance during winter months. “Every year we temporarily close certain areas in the field office and NCAs to human use to help ensure that wildlife populations remain healthy enough to make it through the winter,” said acting Uncompahgre Field Manager Edd Franz. “The public’s compliance with closure periods can play a key role in an animal’s survival.”

When recreating on public lands in winter, remember to observe wildlife from a distance and keep your pets under control. For additional information, call the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office at (970) 240-5300 or visit us at the Montrose Public Lands Center, 2505 South Townsend Ave in Montrose, Colorado.

Fuelwood Permits

The Uncompahgre Field Office is offering the purchase of fuelwood permits online. To purchase a permit visit forestproducts.blm.gov, answer the questions, and review the terms and conditions. Payment information is collected through a secure government payment site. Please print and keep a copy of your permit for law enforcement officers to check.

Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area

Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (GGNCA) was designated in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area Act of 1999. GGNCA is part of the Uncompahgre Field Office.