BLM extends North Sand Hills closure through May 15
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KREMMLING, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is further extending the seasonal closure to motorized and mechanized vehicles at the North Sand Hills Special Recreation Management Area through May 15, at the request of Jackson County officials.
The North Sand Hills SRMA is very popular for OHV recreation, and accidents there are not unusual. Jackson County officials have expressed concerns that Emergency Medical Services in Jackson County are extremely limited. Each year at least one Flight-for-Life evacuation occurs at the North Sand Hills, in addition to other EMS calls that are less severe.
The BLM previously extended the seasonal closure through April 30 and intended to re-open the area on May 1. This additional extension aligns with local agencies’ efforts to protect public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The annual closure at North Sand Hills typically runs from December 1 to April 15 to protect wintering wildlife. The BLM will continue to coordinate closely with Jackson County as the situation evolves, and the closure could be extended beyond May 15 depending on circumstances.
The latest information about BLM Colorado closures related to COVID-19 can be found at https://www.blm.gov/colorado.
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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.