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Hikers ignoring land closures

BLM plans to start issuing $275 tickets

Bureau of Land Management rangers are through issuing warnings to people who break the rules by entering winter refuges for mule deer and elk around Durango. Instead, it will be a $275 citation.

The low-elevation areas are closed to the public in the winter to give elk and mule deer a respite from heavy snow in the highlands.

No-trespassing warnings are not being obeyed, however, Shannon Borders, spokeswoman for the southwest office of the Bureau of Land Management, said Wednesday.

“We understand that with clear weather and sunshine, people like to get out,” Borders said. “But the off-limits areas are closed to ease the pressure on wildlife.”

“Rangers are hearing such things as ‘Oh, I didn’t think it was a big deal’ from people they find in the closed areas,” Borders said. “As a result, rangers are going to stop writing warnings and issue citations, which will cost the trespasser $275.”

Joe Lewandowski, spokesman for Colorado Parks and Wildlife in Durango, said despite sunny, clear weather, it’s extremely cold in the high country.

“Deer and elk are operating on a caloric deficit,” Lewandowski said. “They’ll lose 30 to 40 percent of their body weight during the winter.”

The disturbance by human intrusion will cause animals to flee and expend more energy, Lewandowski said.

“These are not town deer,” Lewandowski said. “They need a winter range to get out of the cold.”

The areas around Durango closed to the public include BLM lands near Animas City Mountain and Grand View Ridge, Borders said. Twin Buttes belongs to the city of Durango, and Perins Peak and Bodo state wildlife areas are Colorado Parks and Wildlife refuges, but the same restrictions apply, she said.

The areas, closed in early December, will reopen no later than April 15.

“We don’t like to make these adjustments,” Borders said. “But the closures are critical for mule deer and elk.”

daler@durangoherald.com



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