BLM Pocatello Field Office Announces Seasonal Closures
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POCATELLO, ID – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Pocatello Field Office (PFO) would like to remind the public that seasonal trail closures will go into effect Nov. 16 for motorized travel in the Pocatello, Bear Lake and Soda Springs areas, specifically the Blackrock/Chinese Peak, Pocatello West Bench, Soda Springs Hills and Cooley Canyon areas.
“The purpose for many of the closures is to protect big game winter range, particularly in Blackrock/Chinese Peak, Cooley Canyon and Soda Springs Hills areas,” said Chuck Patterson, Outdoor Recreation Planner for the BLM Pocatello Field Office. “Road conditions are one of the reasons for the closures because we want to minimize erosion and other resource damage.”
The Blackrock/Chinese Peak trail system is closed to motorized and mechanized (bicycle) travel from Nov. 16 – April 14. The Pocatello West Bench and Soda Hills areas are closed to motorized travel from Nov. 16 – May 15.
In the Soda Springs Hills, the upper gates at Ninety Percent Canyon, Idaho Ranch Canyon and Swenson Canyon close on Nov. 16, with a tentative opening date of May 15. The lower gates in those three canyons will close Jan. 5, with a tentative opening date of May 15. (The Idaho Canyon lower gate is County controlled).
With the development of the Bear Lake Travel Management area, Cooley Canyon on the east side of Bear Lake will also be closed starting Nov. 16, with a scheduled opening date of May 15.
Other trails and roads on public lands may have seasonal/winter closures, so please check with your local BLM office before visiting these areas. The BLM appreciates the public’s cooperation in these efforts. For more information on this closure or for general information, please contact the BLM in Pocatello at 208-478-6340.
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.