< All Announcements

Stinking Springs and Egin areas temporarily closed to protect wildlife

Idaho
Idaho Falls DO
Upper Snake FO
Media Contact

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management Upper Snake Field Office, in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, has temporarily closed the Stinking Springs area near the South Fork of the Snake River to all motorized vehicles and human entry in order to support wildlife survival rates. The annual closure begins Dec. 15 and will continue until sunrise May 1, 2025, although the opening date may be adjusted depending on weather conditions.

“Increasing human activity in the Stinking Springs area creates additional stress on the mule deer that winter there, requiring them to deplete their supply of stored winter fat more quickly,” said BLM Upper Snake Field Manager John Reffit. “We appreciate the public’s help every year in avoiding this area to help protect these animals.”

For similar reasons, the annual Egin-Hamer Area Closure will also go into effect soon. This closure temporarily closes BLM-managed public land to human entry to protect wintering deer, elk and moose. Restrictions begin on Jan. 1, 2025, and last until sunrise on April 1, 2025, south of the Egin-Hamer Road and until sunrise on May 1, 2025, north of it. A detailed map is available online HERE.

The seasonal closures apply to BLM-managed public lands in the vicinity of Stinking Springs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service also temporarily closes nearby National Forest lands during winter. It is advisable to check with agency offices before planning travel in these areas. For more information, contact the Upper Snake Field Office at 208-524-7500.

-BLM-

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.