News Release

For Release: November 13, 2008
Contact: Joanna Wilson (208) 524-7550 / Patty Kraayenbrink (208) 524-7639

BLM and Forest Service Seasonal Closures
for Motorized Trails in Pocatello

POCATELLO, ID – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Pocatello Field Office and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest would like to remind the public that this weekend marks the date when a seasonal trail closures go into effect for motorized trails in the Pocatello and Soda Springs areas, specifically the Blackrock/Chinese Peak, Pocatello West Bench and Soda Hills areas. 

The Blackrock/Chinese Peak trail system is closed to motorized and mechanized travel from November 15 to April 15.  The Pocatello West Bench and Soda Hills areas are closed to motorized travel from November 16 to May 15.  The Forest Service will be closing the following roads on November 15 to May 15:  East Mink, South Mink, Inland, Pebble, Toponce and Elk Meadow.  If a particular road or trail does not have a gate, users should be aware that it is still closed. 

“The purpose for the closures is to protect travel surfaces and allow for winter use by the public,” stated Blaine Newman, Supervisory Resource Management Specialist for the BLM Pocatello Field Office.  “We appreciate the public’s cooperation in these closures.”  The Soda Hills upper gates close November 16, and the lower gates, Idaho Ranch Canyon and Swenson Canyon will close on January 1, 2009.  

Other trails and roads on public lands may have seasonal/winter closures, please check with your local US Forest Service or BLM office before visiting these areas.  A travel plan can be picked up at any Forest Service office.  For more information on this closure or for general information, please contact the BLM in Pocatello at 208-478-6340 or the Forest Service at 208-236-7500.

—BLM—