News Release

For Release: April 10, 2008     
Contact: Blaine Newman (208) 478-6356

Snow Delays Opening of Blackrock/Chinese Peak Trails
BLM extends closure for motorized and mechanized use to May 1

POCATELLO, ID – Due to deep snow drifts and muddy conditions, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Pocatello Field Office will extend the Blackrock/Chinese Peak Trail System seasonal closure to May 1, conditions permitting. 

This trail system is generally open to motorized and mechanized travel from April 15 to November 15, but due to the snow depth throughout the north-facing slopes in the area, this year’s opening will be postponed. 

“Most roads and trails positioned on north-facing slopes still have several feet of snow,” stated Blaine Newman, Supervisory Resource Management Specialist for the BLM Pocatello Field Office.  “We will extend the closure to motorized and mechanized use until May 1 or until conditions allow.”  Members of the Pocatello Trail Machine Association have volunteered to assist BLM in monitoring the snow and soil conditions in the area. 

Public lands on the Pocatello West Bench managed by BLM, US Forest Service, State of Idaho and City of Pocatello will remain closed to motorized vehicles November 15 through May 15 as scheduled.   

For more information, contact the BLM in Pocatello at 208-478-6340.

— BLM —