Thursday, January 30, 2014

Hikers ignoring land closures

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.”...more

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