Annual Stinking Springs Annual Closure in Effect
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IDAHO FALLS, ID – Wildlife need winter habitat to survive eastern Idaho’s harsh winter climate. To support wildlife survival rates, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Upper Snake Field Office closed the Stinking Springs area near the popular South Fork of the Snake River to all motorized vehicles and human entry beginning Dec. 1, 2017. The closure remains in effect through sunrise May 1, 2018.
“Increasing human activity in the Stinking Springs area creates additional stress on the fragile mule deer population that winters in the area, requiring the mule deer to use up their supply of stored winter fat more quickly than normal,” said Monica Zimmerman, BLM Upper Snake outdoor recreation planner. “We appreciate the public’s help in staying away from the closure area to help protect these sensitive animals.”
The closure also applies to other BLM lands in the vicinity of Stinking Springs. The U.S. Forest Service also has winter closures on National Forest lands in the area. It is advisable to check with agency offices before planning travel on these lands. For more information contact the Upper Snake Field Office at 208-524-7500.
The BLM manages more than 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.