BLM to extend annual seasonal motorized travel closure in South Hills
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BLM to extend annual seasonal motorized travel closure in South Hills
TWIN FALLS, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Burley Field Office announced today that it will extend the South Hills area seasonal road closure, which began on January 15, until driving conditions improve. Wet weather throughout February and early March has saturated roadbeds, making the roads highly susceptible to rutting and other kinds of damage. Roads including Dry Creek, Cherry Spring, North Cottonwood Creek and Indian Springs will remain closed until at least March 22. The closure for Indian Springs begins 1.5 miles south of Foothills Road. Signs are posted in the area to notify the public of the road closures, as well as any two-tracks or trails tied to these roads.
“The wet weather we experienced in February and early March will be great for habitat and watershed condition this coming spring,” said Burley Field Manager Ken Crane. “However, the road conditions are just not ready for regular travel yet. The 10-day weather forecast indicates a drying and warming trend, which should improve conditions and allow us to lift the closure by March 22.”
The closure applies to all motorized vehicles 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 the road closure, or nearby areas available for motorized travel, please contact Dennis Thompson, BLM Burley Field Office recreation planner, at (208) 677-6600.
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The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $96 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2017. These activities supported more than 468,000 jobs.
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.