At the beginning of each winter season, the Bureau of Land Management enacts seasonal closures in certain areas of public lands. In Grand County, these closures last from Dec. 15 to June 1. However, not everyone has been obeying these rules.

The BLM field office staff in Kremmling released a statement on April 28 to remind the public to recreate responsibly by respecting gates, area closures and notices. The release stated that staff “recently identified significant damage to gates and locks.”

These area closures are important to follow because they protect the winter range for big game such as elk and moose. These animals are especially vulnerable during snowy months and during their pregnancy and birthing season.

“The nicer weather brings more individuals out to recreate on public lands and we want everyone to enjoy themselves,” Kremmling field office manager Stephen Leonard said in the statement. ” … Respecting area closures is an important part of safe and responsible recreation on your public land. Vandalism on public lands can result in fines and/or jail time. Please help us take care of these amazing resources so that everyone can enjoy them.”

The BLM asks users of public lands to abide by area closures and not attempt to remove locks or damage gates to access closed areas.

People may report vandalism to the BLM law enforcement dispatch at 800-637-9152. For more information about the BLM’s seasonal wildlife closures, visit BLM.gov/programs, contact the Kremmling field office at 970-724-3000 or visit in person at 2103 E. Park Ave.