CRAIG, Colo. - Annual winter closures at the Bureau of Land Management’s Emerald Mountain Special Recreation Area outside Steamboat Springs went into effect Dec. 1 to reduce disturbance to wildlife.
All areas south of the Ridge Trail, including Beall Trail and Kemry Draw, are closed to all forms of entry from Dec. 1 through June 30 to protect elk during their sensitive winter and calving seasons. This closure corresponds with Colorado Parks and Wildlife lands to the east and the Humble Ranch property to the southeast.
“We appreciate all the public who respect this closure, which is important to reduce stress to wintering and calving elk," said BLM Little Snake Field Manager Bruce Sillitoe. “We do continue to see a number of violations each year, which could have a significant impact on the elk in this area."
Violators to the closure face a $175 fine. Sillitoe recommends those wishing to enjoy Emerald Mountain during this closure visit Ridge, Rotary and Wild Rose trails, which remain open all year.
A map of the closure area is available at https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-activities/colorado/closures or from the Little Snake Field Office, 455 Emerson in Craig.
In addition, the vault toilet at Kemry Draw will be closed from November 1 through April 30 due to weather conditions and no road maintenance.
For further information, contact the Little Snake Field Office, (970) 826-5000.
-BLM-
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
