Temporary closure in effect to mitigate stress to wildlife due to loss of winter forage in Paddock Fire burn scar
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is enacting a temporary closure to motorized vehicles across 109,704 acres of BLM lands and roads (except those maintained by Washington, Payette and/or Gem Counties) within the Paddock Fire burn scar. The closure is necessary to protect wintering mule deer experiencing a substantial loss of forage due to the Paddock Fire. The closure is effective immediately through April 30, 2025.
The Paddock Fire burned roughly 187,000 acres total (109,704 acres were BLM) in August 2024. This area is used by approximately 4,000 wintering mule deer, representing approximately 35% of the Unit 32 and 32A herd. Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) expects the mule deer in this area to struggle this winter due to the loss of forage in the area burned. In normal years, stress and displacement caused by recreational use is detrimental to mule deer. The considerable reduction in forage caused by the Paddock Fire is expected to exacerbate the impacts of recreational use and result in high mortality rates. This closure is to mitigate these stresses.
“The devastation from the Paddock Fire has contributed to a vulnerable mule deer population due to the loss of critical resources needed to survive,” said Four Rivers Assistant Field Office Manager Natalie Cooper. “We appreciate the public’s patience and support in this temporary restriction to help protect the wildlife and regeneration of forage.”
The area will be monitored by BLM and IDFG Law Enforcement personnel to ensure compliance with the closure.
Please see the map accompanying this announcement for more detail on the closure area. For more information about the closure, please contact the Boise District Office at 208-384-3300.
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.