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Southwest Colorado Outdoor Recreation Report

The San Juan Region Outdoor Recreation Hotline (247-8187):
► Fire danger is low in the San Juan region.

► The second rifle hunting season runs through Sunday.  

► Fuel-wood permits expire Dec. 31. Fuel-wood permits for 2010 will not be issued until May or when roads dry out. Now is the time to get firewood. Forest Service and BLM fuel-wood permits are available at the San Juan Public Lands Center and Kroegers Hardware in Durango, the Dolores Public Lands Office, the Dolores Visitor Center, the Dolores Food Market, the Bayfield Ranger District Office, Cox Conoco in Mancos and City Market in Cortez.

► Most campgrounds on San Juan Public Lands are open through hunting season, but water, restroom and trash services may be closed. The following campgrounds are closed and gated for the season: Kroeger, Graham Creek, Florida Group, Pine Point, Vallecito, South Mineral and North Canyon in the Columbine District, East Fork, Bridge, West Fork, Lower Piedra and Williams Creek in the Pagosa District, Mavreeso and Cabin in the Dolores District.

► BLM and Forest Service roads are closed for the winter months. For complete  road status reports, visit www. fs.fed.us/r2san juan/conditions/ or call 247-4874.

► Off-highway vehicles, ATVs and motorcycles must have Colorado State registrations for use on public lands in Colorado. Registrations are available through Colorado State Parks, most off-highway vehicle dealers, the San Juan Public Lands Center, Bayfield Ranger District, Pagosa Ranger District and the Dolores Public Lands Office.

► Trail conditions vary throughout the region. The Vallecito Creek bridge is out six miles north of the trailhead, but the water is running fairly low.

► Search and rescue cards are recommended before any outing. The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue card is available at local public lands offices. Individuals automatically are covered for search and rescue efforts with the purchase of a Colorado license for fish or game.

► If you have any questions, call 247-4874, check out the Web site at www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan, or stop by the San Juan Public Lands Center in the Durango Tech Center. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.