BLM Kemmerer Field Office posts annual big game winter range closures
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KEMMERER, Wyo. – In keeping with its responsibility to be good stewards, the Bureau of Land Management manages public lands for the benefit of current and future generations, supporting conservation as we pursue our multiple-use mission. The BLM Kemmerer Field Office will be closing BLM-administered public lands in the Slate Creek, Rock Creek and Bridger Creek big game winter ranges to all motorized vehicle travel from Jan. 1 through Apr. 30, 2018.
The Slate Creek area is south of Fontenelle Creek, west and north of Highway 189 and east of the crest of Slate Creek Ridge.
The Rock Creek area is south of County Road 204/Pine Creek Road, west of the crest of Dempsey Ridge, west of Fossil Butte National Monument and north and east of Highway 30.
The Bridger Creek area is south of Highway 30, west of Fossil Ridge, west of the Bear River Divide, north of the Uinta-Lincoln County line, east of the Utah-Wyoming border and southeast of Highway 89.
Motorized vehicles such as snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, pickups and sport utility vehicles are prohibited during this time. Use of these areas by non-motorized means such as walking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking is allowed. Highways and county roads are not subject to this closure. Motorized vehicle use on public land the remainder of the year is always limited to existing roads and two-track trails.
This annual closure has been in effect since 2002 and is necessary to protect elk, moose, pronghorn and mule deer from disruptive human activities which, during the difficult winter months, can increase the mortality rate for these animals.
Local and federal agencies, including the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, the Lincoln and Uinta County Sheriff’s Offices and the BLM, are excepted when performing official duties.
Additionally, operators of existing oil and gas facilities performing maintenance and pumping, as approved in their permits; livestock operators conducting permitted activities; utility companies conducting emergency maintenance after notifying the BLM; and other users who have been granted an exception by submitting a written application to the BLM for review and approval are excepted from this closure.
For more information, please contact Angela Beley at 307-828-4508.
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.