Seasonal Closures to Begin in the Wood River Valley

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX) Seasonal closures will begin in the Wood River Valley beginning next month.

The Bureau of Land Management Shoshone Field Office will start closing off access to motorized travel in certain areas on December 1 through April 30 next year. The closures are intended to help protect deer and elk. Two new gates were put up in the Colorado and Lees Gulches and a gate was replaced in the Townsend Gulch to enforce the closures.

“Nearly every winter season causes elk and deer to work harder for their food and shelter.  These seasonal closures help to protect animals that find refuge within these areas.  It is important to help minimize human-related stress on wildlife.” said John Kurtz, Shoshone Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner.

The closures are only for BLM managed lands in the area. BLM says the public should watch what they do to minimize the impacts on deer and elk.

 Motorized and non-motorized recreationists disturb wildlife and cause them to waste vital energy that is needed for survival,” said Kurtz.  “When deer or elk are encountered during an outing, it is important to respect the animals and view them from a distance so that noise or close proximity will not cause additional stress."

These areas  are closed from Dec. 1 through April 30:

• Martin/ Big Dry Canyon
• Croy Creek to south of Townsend Gulch
• Big and Little Beaver Drainages
• South slopes above East Fork
• Elk Mountain area
• Portions of Picabo Hills

Any motorized vehicle like cars or four-wheelers, including snowmobiles, are not allowed in the closed areas.  You can get a hard copy map showing the closures from the Shoshone Field Office at 400 West F Street in Shoshone.  For additional information at (208) 732-7296. See map below