Seasonal opening of key Durango wildlife habitat resumes April 16th
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Durango, CO - Annual seasonal closure of wildlife winter range ends today for public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the City of Durango. These closures remained in place through April 15 to protect wintering mule deer and elk that move down from higher elevations to ride out harsh winter conditions. The agencies coordinate to identify key wildlife areas for protection while continuing to offer areas open for winter recreation.
“The public’s cooperation during the winter months helps ensure that these critical areas around Durango remain optimal for wildlife that are under increased stress,” said Chris Krassin, BLM acting Tres Rios Field Manager. “The BLM is thrilled to welcome folks back to recreate responsibly on their public lands.”
Colorado Parks and Wildlife data on deer and elk movements throughout the year indicates that closing areas to human activity is necessary to protect critical foraging habitat and enable the animals to conserve energy for winter survival. The following Durango area trails are reopened to the public till December 1, when seasonal closure will resume.
- Grandview Ridge
- Big Canyon and Sale Barn trailheads (access located east of U.S. Highway 160)
- South Rim Trail, portions of Sidewinder and Cowboy trails on BLM accessed from Carbon Junction Trail or Crites Connect
- Grandview BLM trails (access from Three Springs)
- Animas City Mountain - BLM lands above the lower loops (approximately 1.5 miles above the 32nd Street trailhead).
- Twin Buttes Area - All upper trails as marked.
- Bodo State Wildlife Area - All trails as marked.
Take note, the Perins Peak area east of County Road 208 and west of Hogs back is closed through July 31 to protect nesting peregrine falcons.
When recreating on public lands, remember to observe wildlife from a distance and keep dogs under control at all times. Maps and a complete list of areas affected by winter closures are available online at https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-activities/colorado/closures and at both Tres Rios Field Office locations: 15 Burnett Court in Durango and 29211 Highway 184 in Dolores. For additional information, call the BLM Tres Rios Field Office at (970) 882-1120.
- BLM -
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.