BLM to extend seasonal closure in South Hills to protect wildlife
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TWIN FALLS, Idaho–The Bureau of Land Management Burley Field Office will extend the seasonal motorized travel closure in the South Hills area, south of Twin Falls, to Saturday, April 15, 2023. Roads in the area are still snow covered and wintering deer herds are hanging in the lower elevation areas, needing additional protection. The area is still open to the public for non-motorized use.
“The amount of snowpack in the South Hills area makes it necessary for us to extend this closure,” said BLM Burley Field Manager Ken Crane. “The roads are just not ready for travel yet, and it is a crucial time to limit disturbance for wintering herds of deer living on their fat reserves.”
Signs are posted in the area to notify the public of the temporary closure to the following roads, as well as any two-tracks or trails tied to these roads:
- Dry Creek
- Dry Gulch
- Cherry Spring
- Indian Springs (closure begins 1.5 miles south of Foothills Road)
- North Cottonwood Creek.
The seasonal closure applies to all motorized vehicles (including e-bikes), 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, administratively approved actions, such as livestock grazing, access to private lands and resource monitoring or research studies. Violating this closure may result in a fine up to $1000, or up to 12 months imprisonment, according to 43 CFR 8364.1.
For more information regarding this annual seasonal road closure, or nearby areas available for motorized travel throughout the winter, please contact Dennis Thompson, BLM Burley outdoor recreation planner, at 208-677-6600. To learn more about the South Hills, visit https://www.blm.gov/visit/south-hills.
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.