Gunnison Sage-Grouse ACEC Seasonal Wildlife Closure

From March 15 to May 15 annually, the Gunnison Sage-Grouse ACEC is closed to all use. This seasonal closure is in place to protect sensitive Gunnison sage-grouse habitat, prevent disturbance to wintering big game, and protect soils from erosion and damage.

C-77 (Green Mountain), Black Ridge, and Red Canyon roads are closed to all human use from March 15 to May 15. This includes portions of Black Ridge and Fruitland Mesa east of the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, west of the Black Canyon Road, south of the Smith Fork drainage and north of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

The Gunnison sage-grouse is a federally-listed threatened species. The majority of the population is found in the Gunnison Basin, which provides critical sagebrush habitat essential for the bird’s survival. Habitat loss is the primary cause of population decline. By limiting disturbance during sensitive periods, this closure helps maintain and enhance vital sagebrush habitat.

For more information, see link to the Uncompahgre Field Office Seasonal Closure website and associated map.