Winter wildlife closures extended through April 30
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DURANGO, Colo. – Winter closures for public areas and trails managed by the Bureau of Land Management Tres Rios Field Office, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the City of Durango to protect critical big game winter range will be extended through April 30. The annual winter closures began last December and are typically lifted by April 15.
“Winter is a tough time for big game herds in Colorado,” said Colorado Parks and Wildlife District Wildlife Manager Steve McClung. “They migrate to lower elevations and it’s important that we don’t disturb and stress them with our outdoor activities.”
The BLM, City of Durango and Colorado Parks and Wildlife work together to identify key wildlife areas around Durango needing protection for deer and elk. Closing these areas to human activity is necessary to protect critical foraging habitat for these species, allowing them to survive the winter.
“The snowpack this year is 150 percent above average, which is forcing big game populations to remain at lower elevations,” said Acting Tres Rios Field Manager Elijah Waters. “We appreciate the public’s patience in helping us protect wildlife in the area.”
People who use these areas can help reduce stress to wildlife by observing them from a distance and keeping dogs under control, preferably leashed.
A complete list and maps of the areas affected by the extended winter closures are available online at https://www.blm.gov/site-page/
For additional information, call the BLM Tres Rios Field Office at (970) 882-7296.
-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.