BLM to extend seasonal closure in South Hills
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Burley Field Office will extend the seasonal motorized travel closure in the South Hills area, south of Twin Falls, to Sunday, March 24. Roads in the area are still snow covered and wintering deer herds are hanging in the lower elevation areas, needing additional protection. The area is still open to the public for non-motorized use.
“These recent snowstorms have added to the snowpack in the South Hills area, making it necessary to extend the closure,” said Acting Burley Field Manager Mark Mazza. “It’s important to prevent resource damage as the roads aren’t ready for travel yet.”
Signs are posted in the area to notify the public of the temporary closure to the following roads, as well as any two-tracks or trails tied to these roads:
- Dry Creek
- Dry Gulch
- Cherry Spring
- Indian Springs (closure begins 1.5 miles south of Foothills Road)
- North Cottonwood Creek
Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Magic Valley Region, supports the need to protect wildlife while the animals are on historic winter range. “Winters in southern Idaho can be unpredictable, as we’re seeing this winter. This is the crucial time of year when the fat on deer and elk are almost depleted. With on-going winter conditions these big game animals could be pushed to their survival limit before spring green-up occurs.” said Magic Valley Regional Supervisor Craig White.
The seasonal closure applies to all motorized vehicles, including E-bikes, except those specifically authorized to access the area. Motorized travel authorization is provided for search and rescue operations, emergency medical services and law enforcement personnel, and administratively approved actions such as livestock grazing, access to private lands and resource monitoring or research studies.
For more information regarding this road closure, or nearby areas available for motorized travel throughout the winter, please contact BLM Burley Field Office Recreation Planner Heidi Barker, at 208-677-6600.
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.