BLM announces start of winter motor vehicle limitations for the White Mountains National Recreation Area and Steese National Conservation Area
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Due to snow conditions, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will begin winter season motor vehicle limitations for the White Mountains National Recreation Area (NRA) and Steese National Conservation Area (NCA) earlier than previously announced. These limitations go into effect October 25, replacing the previously announced summer-to-winter transition date of November 1, and last through April 30.
“Snow cover accumulated sooner than forecasted, so we’re now able to begin the winter season limitations,” said Eastern Interior Field Office Manager Tim Hammond. “We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we transition to winter.”
Under winter season limitations, when there is adequate snow depth, the entire area is open to the use of snowmobiles, except for a few non-motorized trails. In general, wheeled motor vehicles are not allowed because they churn up rocks and creates ruts through the snowpack. This degrades trails for other users and makes trail grooming operations more challenging. Although there is no winter maintenance, roads in the area remain open to wheeled OHVs and highway vehicles as conditions allow. Throughout the year, these areas are open to non-motorized use, including hiking, biking and equestrian use.
To better understand these winter limitations and winter recreation opportunities in these areas, the public can use the Winter Recreation. This map includes boundaries and trails to help with navigation, especially when traveling in areas that are not well-marked. To learn more about how to use georeferenced maps to navigate using your smartphone’s GPS, even in areas without cellular reception, visit the BLM Georeferenced Maps webpage.
The White Mountains NRA and the Steese NCA offer stunning scenery, peaceful solitude, and outstanding opportunities for year-round recreation opportunities within a day’s drive of Fairbanks, Alaska. Winter visitors to the one-million-acre White Mountains NRA, about an hour’s drive from Fairbanks, can travel by ski, fatbike snowshoe, dog team and snowmobile to enjoy 13 public cabins and 250 miles of groomed winter trails. Learn more by visiting the White Mountains National Recreation Area webpage and by monitoring the Trail Update webpage. With no winter maintenance, the 1.2-million-acre Steese NCA offers solitude and opportunities for winter exploration. Routes are sometimes maintained by caribou hunters and a few trappers. Those interested in visiting the Steese NCA, located a half day’s drive from Fairbanks, can visit the Steese National Conservation Area webpage for more information.
These areas are remote, so visitors should be prepared for the unexpected. Even when planning for a day trip, always be prepared to spend the night. Equipment problems, bad weather, or unexpected mishaps can leave you stranded far from help.
For more information contact the BLM Fairbanks Public Room at (907) 474-2200 or 1-800-437-7021.
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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.