BLM expands land closures in Gunnison Basin

Posted by egable on January 30th, 2008 filed in Public lands

The Bureau of Land Management implemented temporary closures on some public lands in the Gunnison Basin last week to motorized use in an effort to reduce disturbance to an already stressed population of deer, elk, big horn sheep and pronghorn antelope. After consulting with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, BLM has decided to add several areas to the closure. BLM said the closures will remain in effect until May 15, but may be lifted sooner if the conditions change significantly.

Agency staff and volunteers have seen higher than expected levels of non-motorized use in critical wintering area, which has stressed big game herds and pushed them away from feeding areas.  Any unnecessary movement by wildlife during such challenging conditions can threaten their survival by reducing the stored fat and nutrients they need to survive, BLM said. The emergency feeding operations themselves have sparked the public’s curiosity, resulting in an increased human presence at the feeding areas.