St George Field Office issues emergency closure notices for recreation sites
Organization
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
ST GEORGE, Utah – In order to provide for public safety and resource protection, the Bureau of Land Management’s St. George Field Office closed the Red Cliffs Recreation Area, Cottonwood Trailhead and multiple associated trails, all in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, following damage from the Cottonwood Trail Fire.
The Red Cliffs Recreation Area closure includes the campground, day use areas, non-motorized trail system and White Reef Trailhead. The Cottonwood Trailhead includes the Prospector Trail north from the trailhead and the Red Reef and Cottonwood Canyon Trails west from the trailhead.
“These closures are for the short-term protection of the public and the diverse resources people come to experience,” said St. George Field Manager Keith Rigtrup. “We are working quickly to repair the damages to the infrastructure so we can reopen the sites for everyone to enjoy.”
Closure signs are posted at the main entry points to the recreation area and trailheads. Maps of the affected area and other documents associated with this closure are available online at utahfireinfo.gov and at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/utah.
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.