Mesa still closed to off-road motorized vehicles
Big game winter range habitat protection
February 21, 2005
The public is reminded that all BLM-administered public lands south of Pinedale on the Mesa are closed to all off-road motorized vehicle use through April 30th. The winter closure is in effect to protect wintering big game and protect winter wildlife habitats. The closure does NOT include county roads or highways. The closure impacts all motorized travel activities unless authorized by the Pinedale BLM field manager. The closure does include off-road use of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, pickups and sport utility vehicles.
Employees of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, law enforcement agencies, BLM, and previously approved wildlife researchers are exempt from this order when performing official duties.
Operators of existing oil and gas facilities may perform maintenance and pumping, as approved. Travel also is authorized to the Questar winter-drilling location from the south access only. Use of these areas by non-motorized means is still allowed. Violations of the closure will be referred to the appropriate agency.
Increased disturbance caused by motor vehicles could add stress on wintering big game and result in a greater chance of animals having difficulty surviving the winter. Recent development of the Pinedale Anticline gas field has reduced the amount of winter habitat available for use and can compound the impacts from motorized vehicle use. For more information or for maps of the area, visit the BLM Pinedale Field Office at 432 East Mill Street, in Pinedale; or call the BLM office at 307-367-5300.
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