News Release:
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Beaver Creek Fire closes access to some hunting areas in North Park
WALDEN, Colo. - Colorado Parks and Wildlife is advising anyone planning to hunt in Game Management Unit 161 and surrounding areas in North Park that because of the massive Beaver Creek fire still burning northwest of Walden, the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management has closed much of the primary access to the GMU through the fall hunting seasons.
The 35,000 acre fire began burning beetle-killed trees in late June and will likely continue burning until the first snows move into the area. For the safety of hunters and recreationists, federal land management authorities will likely keep the roads closed until the fire is naturally extinguished in late fall.
\"Although our primary concern is the safety of the public, I can say that the fire is actually very beneficial to habitat and wildlife as it\'s removing thousands of dead trees that will have likely burned in the future anyway,\" said Area Wildlife Manager Kris Middledorf of Steamboat Springs. \"However, this comes at a time when hunters are scouting and preparing for their fall hunts, so it\'s important that people stay informed about the situation on the ground and make decisions or alternative plans as soon as possible.\"
Not all land in GMU 161 is currently closed to the public, nor is all private land access restricted; however, access may be limited to a small number of roads or trails accessible by foot or horseback only as much of the area is inside wilderness boundaries.
Middledorf says CPW is sending letters to hunters that drew licenses specifically for GMU 161 informing them of their options. He adds that other hunters planning to head to North Park should check with federal authorities for the latest conditions, or call CPW\'s Steamboat Springs office at 970-870-2855.
\"We are working with the U.S. Forest Service and the BLM on a daily basis to make sure we have the latest information,\" said Middledorf. \"Federal agencies will always have the latest details but hunters can call CPW at anytime for additional help.\"
CPW reminds the public that wildlife has evolved with fires as a natural part of the landscape. Even in instances where fires have burned large areas, big game will often return very quickly, sometimes a few days after the fire has moved through. Experienced hunters have used this knowledge to increase their chance of success.
\"Hunters have options and there is still time to make arrangements and changes to hunting plans. We are here to help, answer questions and provide recommendations for this fall\'s hunts in this area ,? said Middledorf.
CPW reminds hunters that access to traditional hunting areas can always be limited by sudden natural events, including fire, floods and unsafe conditions. Always check with the land management agency for the latest information prior to heading out on your hunt.
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Beaver Creek Fire closes access to some hunting areas in North Park
WALDEN, Colo. - Colorado Parks and Wildlife is advising anyone planning to hunt in Game Management Unit 161 and surrounding areas in North Park that because of the massive Beaver Creek fire still burning northwest of Walden, the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management has closed much of the primary access to the GMU through the fall hunting seasons.
The 35,000 acre fire began burning beetle-killed trees in late June and will likely continue burning until the first snows move into the area. For the safety of hunters and recreationists, federal land management authorities will likely keep the roads closed until the fire is naturally extinguished in late fall.
\"Although our primary concern is the safety of the public, I can say that the fire is actually very beneficial to habitat and wildlife as it\'s removing thousands of dead trees that will have likely burned in the future anyway,\" said Area Wildlife Manager Kris Middledorf of Steamboat Springs. \"However, this comes at a time when hunters are scouting and preparing for their fall hunts, so it\'s important that people stay informed about the situation on the ground and make decisions or alternative plans as soon as possible.\"
Not all land in GMU 161 is currently closed to the public, nor is all private land access restricted; however, access may be limited to a small number of roads or trails accessible by foot or horseback only as much of the area is inside wilderness boundaries.
Middledorf says CPW is sending letters to hunters that drew licenses specifically for GMU 161 informing them of their options. He adds that other hunters planning to head to North Park should check with federal authorities for the latest conditions, or call CPW\'s Steamboat Springs office at 970-870-2855.
\"We are working with the U.S. Forest Service and the BLM on a daily basis to make sure we have the latest information,\" said Middledorf. \"Federal agencies will always have the latest details but hunters can call CPW at anytime for additional help.\"
CPW reminds the public that wildlife has evolved with fires as a natural part of the landscape. Even in instances where fires have burned large areas, big game will often return very quickly, sometimes a few days after the fire has moved through. Experienced hunters have used this knowledge to increase their chance of success.
\"Hunters have options and there is still time to make arrangements and changes to hunting plans. We are here to help, answer questions and provide recommendations for this fall\'s hunts in this area ,? said Middledorf.
CPW reminds hunters that access to traditional hunting areas can always be limited by sudden natural events, including fire, floods and unsafe conditions. Always check with the land management agency for the latest information prior to heading out on your hunt.
