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BLM Colorado closes more lands to the public in Mesa County due to active fire

Upper Colorado River DO
Media Contact
BLM Office:
Grand Junction Field Office

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — The Bureau of Land Management is temporarily closing more land to the public in Mesa County because of fire activity in the area. The order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until the Turner Gulch and Wright Draw fires are declared controlled or until this order is rescinded.

This emergency closure is necessary to ensure public and firefighter safety during firefighting activities and initial suppression rehabilitation efforts.

 

Closure Areas

This closure affects all BLM lands in Unaweep Canyon in the following two areas:

Area 1:

  • South of Highway 141
  • East of Niche Road
  • West of Divide Road
  • North of the Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest boundary

Area 2:

  • North of Highway 141
  • East of the Palisade
  • West of the intersection of Highway 141 and Divide Road

  • South of the boundary with private land on Glade Park

     

Exceptions to the Closure

This closure will remain in place until safe access can be ensured. All public access to these lands is prohibited, with specific exemptions for:

  • Federal, state, and local officers and employees in the performance of their official duties
  • Members of organized rescue or fire-fighting forces in the performance of their official duties
  • People with written authorization from the BLM

 

Legal Penalties

Violations of this emergency order may lead to prosecution, with fines and possible imprisonment. Vehicles found in violation may be towed.

Additional details and a closure map will be available on the Upper Colorado River District Fire Restrictions webpage. 

We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize safety and resource integrity during this critical time. For further information, please contact the Grand Junction Field Office Front Desk at 970-244-3000.

 

Related Files

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.