BLM issues emergency temporary closure of Fortuna Pond due to flooding
Temporary Closure Rescinded Effective June 30, 2023
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YUMA, Ariz. — To ensure public safety, the Bureau of Land Management, Yuma Field Office, has issued an emergency temporary closure of the Fortuna Pond recreational area located north of Yuma. The closure is the result of flooding of the area due to extreme spring run-off and subsequent water release from several upstream dams on the Gila River. The closure went into effect May 11, 2023 and it will be evaluated after 30-days. Staff will patrol the area to evaluate the safety of the area before lifting the closure.
In addition to the Fortuna Pond closure the BLM Yuma Field Office is recommending use of extreme caution or avoidance of the areas around the confluence of the Gila and Colorado Rivers as well as any downstream sites from that location.
For additional information regarding this notice or public lands access please call the BLM Yuma Field Office at (928) 317-3200.
EMERGENCY CLOSURE NOTICE
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
COLORADO RIVER DISTRICT
YUMA FIELD OFFICE
Under the authority of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) and pursuant to 43 CFR § 8364.1. This closure applies to lands administered by the Yuma Field Office. Notice is hereby given that the Colorado River District (BLM) will immediately close selected public lands to public access in Yuma County, Arizona.
This closure has been issued for the affected area due to extreme spring run-off and subsequent water release from several up-stream dams on the Gila River.
Effective at 1200 P.M. 05/11/2023 an Emergency Closure Notice has been issued for the area
surrounding Fortuna Pond, Yuma County Arizona. This emergency closure is placed in effect
buy the Bureau of Land Management Yuma Field Office, Colorado River District in effort to
avert property damage or loss, personal injury and or loss of life, and shall remain in effect for a
period of 30 days.
Upon completion of this initial 30-day period water flow on the Gila River as well as on the
ground conditions at Fortuna Pond will be evaluated.
(1) Persons exempt from the closure and that are allowed in the closed area without written
permission include the following:
a) Emergency vehicles, equipment, and personnel.
b) Government employees acting in the performance of their duties.
(2) This closure follows provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
(43 U.S.C. 1701) and 43 CFR § 8364.1. Any person who fails to comply with a closure or
restriction order issued under this subpart may be subject to the penalties provided under
43 CFR § 8360.0-7 which are punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or
imprisonment not to exceed 12 months.
In addition to the Fortuna Pond Closure the BLM Yuma Field Office is recommending use of
extreme caution or avoidance of the area around the confluence of the Gila and Colorado Rivers
as well as any downstream sites from that location.
For additional information regarding this notice or public lands access please call the BLM
Yuma Field Office at (928) 317-3200.
______________________________________________________________________________
William Mack Jr. [electronic signature]
Colorado River District Manager
[Update 6/23/2023: Temporary Closure Order Rescinded Effective June 30, 2023]
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.
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