Seasonal Road Closures Begin in Wood River Valley

HAILEY, Idaho (KLIX)-Federal land managers have closed several roads in the Wood River Valley area as part of a seasonal closure program to protect wintering wildlife.

The Bureau of Land Management announced the implementation of yearly closures to motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles, on BLM land only and will reopen the areas next April 30. The closures, started in the early 1980's, aims at helping deer and elk make it through the winter months. “These closures have gone into effect since 1982 to help protect animals that have to work harder in the winter for their food and shelter,” said Shoshone Field Office wildlife biologist Jesse Rawson in a prepared statement. “Disturbances to wildlife cause them to expend vital energy that is needed for survival. It is important to help minimize human-related stress on wildlife.”

BLM has asked the public to be mindful of their actions while recreating this winter for the sake of the wildlife; many other areas on BLM land continue to be available to motorized travel.
Here are the specific areas closed during the season and hit this LINK for a detailed map:
· 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