Closure in the South Hills is going into effect

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Burley Field Office is implementing its annual seasonal travel closure in the South Hills area from Jan. 16 to March 15. The closure is to help protect mule deer winter range and sage-grouse habitat. Motorized vehicles, except those authorized to access the area, are prohibited. Authorizations are for search and rescue operations, emergency medical services and law enforcement. There are also approvals for livestock grazing, private land access and research. The area remains open to the public for non-motorized use.

Signs are posted for areas that are closed:

Dry Creek
Dry Gulch
Cherry Spring
Indian Springs (closure begins 1.5 miles south of Foothills Road)
North Cottonwood Creek

“Increased human disturbance from motorized vehicles and off-trail recreation forces mule deer to move to lower quality habitat and expend energy they are trying to conserve,” said BLM Burley Wildlife Biologist Lindsey Schmitt. “This, in turn, limits foraging ability and reduces fat reserves essential for survival and reproduction. To sustain healthy populations of mule deer in the South Hills and surrounding areas it is crucial to minimize disturbance during these next few months.”

Fish and Game supports the need to protect wildlife while the animals are on historic winter range. “Big game winter range habitat is critically important to sustain wildlife populations, like mule deer herds that over-winter in the South Hills,” said Magic Valley Regional Supervisor Craig White.

For more information regarding this road closure, please contact Taylor Baxter or Heidi Barker, BLM Burley Field Office recreation planners, at (208) 677-6600