BLM to extend annual seasonal motorized travel closure in South Hills
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TWIN FALLS, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Burley Field Office announced today that it will extend the South Hills area seasonal road closure, which began on Jan. 15, until road conditions improve. There are still snow drifts melting that are saturating roadbeds, making the roads highly susceptible to rutting and erosion.
Roads including Dry Creek, Cherry Spring, North Cottonwood Creek and Indian Springs will remain closed until at least March 22. The closure for Indian Springs begins 1.5 miles south of Foothills Road. Signs are posted in the area to notify the public of the road closures, which include any two-tracks or trails tied to these roads.
“The road conditions are just not ready for regular travel yet,” said Burley Field Manager Ken Crane. “The 10-day weather forecast indicates a drying and warming trend, which should improve conditions. Conditions will be monitored so we can lift the closure as soon as possible.”
The closure applies to all motorized vehicles except those specifically authorized to access the area. Motorized travel authorization is provided for search and rescue operations, emergency medical services and law enforcement personnel, and administratively approved actions such as livestock grazing, access to private lands and resource monitoring or research studies.
For more information regarding the road closure or nearby areas available for motorized travel, please contact Dennis Thompson, BLM Burley Field Office recreation planner, at (208) 677-6600.
Photo captions: The BLM Twin Falls District Operations staff are conducting seasonal road grading efforts and have found that roads within the South Hills seasonal closure area are not ready for regular travel yet.
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.