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Salmon, Idaho – The health and safety of our visitors and staff remains the number one priority of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). In accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the state of Idaho public health officials, the BLM will temporarily close one of its developed recreation facilities, the Sharkey Hotsprings Recreation Site, to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

The Sharkey Hotsprings Recreation Site is located approximately 20 miles southeast of Salmon, in Lemhi County. Trash pickup and sanitation services on this recreation facility will also be temporarily suspended. Despite the closure of this facility, numerous opportunities remain for the public to enjoy the outdoors as long as visitors heed orders, guidance, and advice of local and state officials and the CDC. All other BLM-managed recreation sites, trails and open spaces currently remain open across Idaho.

“It is important for us to provide access to outdoor spaces where people can go to exercise and get some fresh air,” said Mary D’Aversa, BLM Idaho Falls District Manager. “However, we must do that while ensuring the health and safety of our employees and our visitors. This closure will help us keep people safe.”

Visitors may continue to enjoy their BLM-managed recreation sites, trails and open spaces in Idaho while following recommendations from the CDC and local and state public health authorities. Social distancing recommendations are extremely important in reducing the transmission of COVID-19 and may require that visitors avoid public lands during high-use times, such as weekends. Please limit any group activities to members of your household. At all times, maintain a distance of 6 feet or more from other people.

The BLM encourages responsible local recreation to avoid putting strain on other communities. To ensure that public lands and waters remain intact for future generations, visitors are encouraged to utilize Leave No Trace practices, such as picking up all trash and human waste. Please bring your own sanitary products, including toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and pack out all trash.

Providing for recreation opportunities during this time is just one of the many activities BLM Idaho staff continue to perform daily because they are vitally important to the nation and our neighbors. Our management of critical programs including grazing, energy development and protection from wildland fire continues to support the nation’s energy and food security. We are stewards of some of the most impressive landscapes in the nation and provide for enjoyment of all types of outdoor recreation.

Currently, our offices and public rooms are closed. Most BLM employees are continuing to work from home or in the field. If you’d like to do business with the BLM, please do so by email or phone. Contact information is available at https://www.blm.gov/idaho.

Information on affected BLM Idaho facilities will be posted on https://www.blm.gov/alert/blm-idaho-covid-19-information. Please check with individual field and district offices for specific details on operations in your area, as additional areas may close if deemed necessary.

Boise District Office: 208-384-3300

Owyhee Field Office: 208-896-5912

Idaho Falls District Office: 208-524-7500

Challis Field Office: 208-879-6200

Pocatello Field Office: 208-478-6340

Salmon Field Office: 208-756-5400

Twin Falls District Office: 208-735-2060

Burley Field Office: 208-677-6600

Shoshone Field Office: 208-732-7200

Coeur d’Alene District Office: 208-769-5000

Cottonwood Field Office: 208-962-3245