Acting Regional Forester Jennifer Eberlien announced last Friday that she has signed termination orders to rescind the regional developed recreation site closure and fire restriction orders effective May 20, 2020. Local units will decide the operational status of developed recreation sites and fire restrictions after assessing conditions and working closely with local, state and federal officials. Decisions will carefully consider local, state, and federal public health guidance, established fire restriction criteria, and staffing levels. The USDA Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Region includes 24 national forests and grasslands across Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.
Here are updates for Colorado, effective Wednesday, May 20, 2020:
Rio Grande National Forest officials will open several developed recreation sites as necessary personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies and staff are available. Some recreation sites may experience a reopening delay. Fire restrictions are in effect. Recreation site status information is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/riogrande.
San Juan National Forest officials will open several developed recreation sites as weather conditions allow. Developed recreation sites on the Columbine Ranger district that are within San Juan and La Plata County will remain closed. Fire restrictions are in effect. Recreation site status information is available at http://www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan/.
White River National Forest officials will open most developed recreation sites after June 1 depending on conditions. Most trails are currently open with a few exceptions, such as Hanging Lake, which will open June 1 by permit only. Many roads will not open until mid-June due to snow level, resource protection and wildlife restrictions. Fire restrictions are in effect. Recreation site status information is available here.
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland officials will begin to open developed recreation sites after May 31. Some closures will remain in place to allow employees time to prepare facilities, ensure proper personal protective equipment, and obtain ample cleaning supplies. Fire restrictions remain in effect. Recreation site status information is available here.
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests officials will open developed recreation sites as weather conditions allow. Some recreation sites remain closed and inaccessible due to snow and will open on a site-by-site basis. Fire restrictions are not in effect. Up-to-date campground status is available here.
Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands officials will begin to open developed recreation sites after May 31. Some recreation sites will remain closed and inaccessible due to snow and mud. Fire restrictions are in effect. Recreation site status information is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/psicc.
Before heading outdoors, forests and grassland visitors are encouraged to recreate safely and responsibly by keeping the following in mind:
- Plan ahead and Know Before You Go. Visitors are encouraged to check with local forest and grassland offices before heading outdoors. Many mid- and high-elevation recreation areas are under snow and remain closed.
- Come prepared with all the essentials, including food, water and emergency supplies.
- Stay close to home to keep other communities safe.
- Stay 6 feet apart from others.
- Avoid crowding in parking lots, trails, scenic overlooks and other areas.
- Take CDC precautions to prevent illnesses like COVID-19.
Prepare for limited or no services, such as restroom facilities and garbage collection. Communicate with others as you pass. Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass.