BLM temporarily restricting off-highway vehicle use in the Wood River Valley beginning Jan. 1, 2025

HAILEY, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Shoshone Field Office is implementing off-highway-vehicle and conditional seasonal restrictions in the Wood River Valley to reduce impacts to wintering herds of deer and elk. No motor vehicles are allowed in the identified areas from Jan. 1–April 30, 2025.

A map of the restricted areas is available online and will be posted at the informal snowmobile trailheads. The Wood River Valley Recreation and Access Environmental Assessment and associated Decision Record authorized these restrictions.

Big game herds are returning to their historic winter range in the valley.  Deer and elk experience adversity during the winter season, so limiting additional stress and providing for secluded winter habitat is important to maintain the health of big game herds throughout the season. “Over the years, we have really seen recreationists honor the seasonal restrictions because they care about the impacts to wintering wildlife,” said Shoshone Outdoor Recreation Planner John Kurtz. “We really appreciate this adherence to the rules, as it does make a difference for these animals.” 

Recreationists, motorized and non-motorized alike, should consider their potential impacts to deer and elk in the area this winter and adjust their actions accordingly to minimize disturbance.

The following areas, except for motorized corridors, are closed to motorized use, including snowmobiles, from Jan. 1–April 30, 2024.

• All BLM land north of East Fork and Greenhorn
• South aspects of Ohio Gulch
• Quigley to Muldoon
• Bell Mountain to Picabo
• Croy Creek to south of Townsend Gulch and Hwy 20
• Big and Little Beaver Drainages
• Camp Creek and Poison Creek areas
• Elk Mountain area

Corridors open to motorized use include groomed snowmobile trails and ungroomed motorized corridors. The following are groomed by Blaine County for snowmobile use when there is sufficient snow: Quigley to Cove Creek, Muldoon, Sharps, Croy Creek to Camp Creek, Rock and West Glendale.

Ungroomed corridors include Ohio Gulch, Indian Creek, Slaughterhouse and Bell Mountain to Picabo. All motorized vehicles and snowmobiles are limited to the road corridor in these locations/areas.

The BLM patrols these areas to monitor and enforce restrictions. Refer to map for details and hard copies are available at the BLM Shoshone Field Office, 400 W. F St., Shoshone, ID 83552. For additional information, please contact BLM Shoshone Outdoor Recreation Planner John Kurtz at 208-732-7296.

-BLM–