Recent flooding events have changed the landscape of the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, and along with it has brought closures and safety concerns. It is important for hunters heading to the forest to be aware of these changes.
The Forest has been assessing conditions. This information has been used to develop the current closure area. It is anticipated that this closure will continue to be modified as more information is gathered and conditions change. Hunters should note that Crown Point Road is accessible, just not anything further south on Pingree Park Road. The latest on flooding on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland is available online at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/flood2013.
Other closures on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District (CLRD) to be aware of this year are the High Park Burn Area Closure. A PDF map of this closure is at www.fs.usda.gov. Long Draw Road is temporarily closed, along with 500 feet on either side of the road, due to a large-scale hazard tree cutting project. A PDF map of the closure area is online at www.fs.usda.gov. Spur roads along the Laramie River Road are also temporarily closed for hazard tree cutting, with a PDF map posted at www.fs.usda.gov. Note that Laramie River Road itself is still open for travel.
The Forest Service understands these closures can cause inconveniences for forest visitors, but they are imperative for public and employee safety. The flood damaged roads and watersheds in many areas. The risk of flash floods and safety concerns with heavy equipment used on many projects make it crucial for these closures to be in place.
Forest visitors are encouraged to have a map as a safety precaution and to know where private land boundaries are located.
Remember, your safety is your responsibility. An important safety message for visitors year-round is that of falling tree hazards, especially in mountain pine beetle hit areas. Avoid dense patches of dead trees. Take a saw or ax with you to remove fallen trees from roads in case you become trapped.
The forest has information specifically posted for hunters available online at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/hunting.
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