News Release

For Release: January 9, 2009
Contact:  Heather Tiel-Nelson (208) 736-2352

BLM Implements Seasonal Closure in the South Hills

TWIN FALLS, ID – The date is quickly approaching when the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Burley Field Office will implement a seasonal road closure from January 16 – March 15, 2009.

This closure is designed to protect crucial mule deer winter range and sage-grouse habitat, and has been in place since 2000. There are signs notifying the public of the closure, and gates have been installed to prevent trespass. 

The road closure will include all BLM administered lands in the South Hills from the western most entrance of North Cottonwood Creek Road on the western boundary to the private land adjacent to Dry Creek Road on the eastern boundary.  

The seasonal closure applies to all motorized vehicles except those specifically authorized to access the area. Such authorization is provided for search and rescue, emergency medical services and law enforcement personnel, as well as administratively approved actions such as, livestock grazing activity, access to private lands and resource monitoring or research studies.  The area is open to the public for non-motorized use.

“The importance of the South Hills as crucial mule deer winter range cannot be overstated.  Any excessive disturbance is perceived as a threat by the deer causing them to deplete their fat reserves and move away from their crucial foraging areas.  Increased motorized use of public lands which is evident throughout the south hills could seriously jeopardize the survival and productivity of these animals,” said Jeremy Bisson, BLM Wildlife Biologist.

The Magic Valley Regional Office of the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) supports the closure and the need to protect wildlife in this area.  The habitat is important to maintain mule deer herds over-wintering in the area and is also popular for hunting and wildlife viewing during other periods of the year. For additional information, please contact Dennis Thompson, Burley Field Office Recreation Planner at (208) 677-6600.

—BLM—