12-05-2006, 09:10 PM
The Colorado Division of Wildlife has closed or will soon close gates at several area properties to protect wintering wildlife. These annual closures are designed to reduce stress on animals by keeping people and vehicles out of State Wildlife Areas when animals are most vulnerable.
"The winter months in Colorado can be extremely tough for wildlife," said Area Wildlife Manager Lyle Sidener, who oversees the Hot Sulphur Springs area. "Animals need to devote all of their energy during the winter to gathering scarce food supplies."
Residents and visitors should be aware of and honor the following winter closures:
Grand Junction/Rifle Area
Garfield Creek SWA - Closed - Dec. 1 to July 15<br />
Plateau Creek SWA - Closed to all vehicles - Dec. 1 to Aug. 1
Glenwood Springs/Roaring Fork Valley Area<br />
Basalt State Wildlife Area * - Closed - Dec. 1 to July 15<br />
* This closure applies to the Basalt Unit, Christine Unit, Toner Unit, Peachblow Unit, Seven Castles Unit and Schuck Unit. The closure does NOT apply to Christine Lake or the rifle range at Basalt State Wildlife Area.
Middle Park/Kremmling/Hot Sulphur Springs Area<br />
Red Mountain SWA (Middle Park) - Closed - Nov 15 to April 15<br />
Silver Creek Conservation Easement - Closed - Nov. 15 to April 15<br />
Junction Butte SWA - Closed to vehicles - Nov. 20 to Sept. 3<br />
Byers Canyon Shooting Range - Closed - Jan. 1 to approximately April 30.
Meeker/Craig Area<br />
Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area - Closed - Dec. 1 to July 15<br />
Jensen SWA - Closed - Jan. 1 to July 15<br />
Bitter Brush SWA - Closed - Jan. 15 to April 30
Steamboat Springs Area<br />
Adams State Wildlife Area - Closed - Dec. 1 to July 1<br />
Blacktail Conservation Easement - Closed - Dec. 1 to May 31
Colorado's winter snowfall typically forces deer and elk to lower elevations around the state. This seasonal migration puts these animals at higher risk for problematic encounters with humans. Because most of Colorado's human populations live at lower elevations, deer and elk are more likely to be hit by cars during winter months. Deer are also more likely to be harassed by domestic dogs when they are closer to cities and towns.
Having good winter range available to deer and elk is also important for area residents. Wintering wildlife that journey onto private land in search of safety and forage can cause problems for ranchers and homeowners. Haystacks and flower gardens can be quick targets for the hungry animals. By having State Wildlife Areas available and undisturbed, the DOW can provide a safe wintering area for animals while also preventing damage on roads and in surrounding communities.
For more information about State Wildlife Areas, go on-line to www.wildlife.state.co.us/landwater/statewildlifeareas or contact the Northwest Region DOW office at (970) 255-6100.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and its habitat, as well as providing wildlife related recreation. The Division is funded through hunting and fishing license fees, federal grants and Colorado Lottery proceeds through Great Outdoors Colorado.
"The winter months in Colorado can be extremely tough for wildlife," said Area Wildlife Manager Lyle Sidener, who oversees the Hot Sulphur Springs area. "Animals need to devote all of their energy during the winter to gathering scarce food supplies."
Residents and visitors should be aware of and honor the following winter closures:
Grand Junction/Rifle Area
Garfield Creek SWA - Closed - Dec. 1 to July 15<br />
Plateau Creek SWA - Closed to all vehicles - Dec. 1 to Aug. 1
Glenwood Springs/Roaring Fork Valley Area<br />
Basalt State Wildlife Area * - Closed - Dec. 1 to July 15<br />
* This closure applies to the Basalt Unit, Christine Unit, Toner Unit, Peachblow Unit, Seven Castles Unit and Schuck Unit. The closure does NOT apply to Christine Lake or the rifle range at Basalt State Wildlife Area.
Middle Park/Kremmling/Hot Sulphur Springs Area<br />
Red Mountain SWA (Middle Park) - Closed - Nov 15 to April 15<br />
Silver Creek Conservation Easement - Closed - Nov. 15 to April 15<br />
Junction Butte SWA - Closed to vehicles - Nov. 20 to Sept. 3<br />
Byers Canyon Shooting Range - Closed - Jan. 1 to approximately April 30.
Meeker/Craig Area<br />
Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area - Closed - Dec. 1 to July 15<br />
Jensen SWA - Closed - Jan. 1 to July 15<br />
Bitter Brush SWA - Closed - Jan. 15 to April 30
Steamboat Springs Area<br />
Adams State Wildlife Area - Closed - Dec. 1 to July 1<br />
Blacktail Conservation Easement - Closed - Dec. 1 to May 31
Colorado's winter snowfall typically forces deer and elk to lower elevations around the state. This seasonal migration puts these animals at higher risk for problematic encounters with humans. Because most of Colorado's human populations live at lower elevations, deer and elk are more likely to be hit by cars during winter months. Deer are also more likely to be harassed by domestic dogs when they are closer to cities and towns.
Having good winter range available to deer and elk is also important for area residents. Wintering wildlife that journey onto private land in search of safety and forage can cause problems for ranchers and homeowners. Haystacks and flower gardens can be quick targets for the hungry animals. By having State Wildlife Areas available and undisturbed, the DOW can provide a safe wintering area for animals while also preventing damage on roads and in surrounding communities.
For more information about State Wildlife Areas, go on-line to www.wildlife.state.co.us/landwater/statewildlifeareas or contact the Northwest Region DOW office at (970) 255-6100.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and its habitat, as well as providing wildlife related recreation. The Division is funded through hunting and fishing license fees, federal grants and Colorado Lottery proceeds through Great Outdoors Colorado.