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BLM extends summer motor vehicle limitations for the White Mountains National Recreation Area and Steese National Conservation Area

Inadequate snow cover extends summer limitations until November 1
Alaska
Media Contact
Caribou hunter riding on four-wheeler on lightly snow covered Quartz Creek Trail in the White Mountains National Recreation Area
A caribou hunter on an ATV navigates the Quartz Creek Trail in the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Due to the lack of adequate snow cover in the White Mountains National Recreation Area and Steese National Conservation Area, the summer motor vehicle limitations will remain in effect until Nov. 1.

“Snow cover is not expected to reach the target depth of six inches prior to the established Oct. 15 summer-to-winter transition date, so we’re extending the summer limitations with authorizations for the use of wheeled vehicles, which are prohibited under the winter limitations,” said Tim Hammond, Eastern Interior Field Office Manager. “We ask for the public’s patience and understanding as we transition to winter.”

Throughout the year, the entire area is open to all forms of non-motorized use, including hiking, equestrian use and bicycling. Winter motor vehicle limitations will be in effect Nov. 1 – April 30. If target snow cover depths are reached sooner, an earlier transition date will be announced.

With the RC867 winter caribou hunt expected to open later this month, the BLM’s georeferenced maps for Summer Recreation and Winter Recreation are good resources to understand the motor vehicle limitations for each season. Many boundaries and trails are marked to help with navigation, however, the trail-marking work is not complete and some areas may not be well marked. The BLM Georeferenced Maps webpage includes information on how to use georeferenced map applications to navigate using your smartphone’s GPS even in areas without cellular reception.

When riding the trails, please travel responsibly, wear a helmet and ride to reduce damage to the surrounding area and resources. Monitor the White Mountains Trail Update for access information and useful links.

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.