Some public lands near the Burro Fire will remain closed, even as the San Juan National Forest reopened to the public at Thursday after rescinding the Stage 3 closure order that has been in place since June 12.
Dolores District Ranger Derek Padilla said these trails will be closed: Bear Creek, Gold Run, Sharkstooth, Ryman Creek, Salt Creek, Rough Canyon, Morrison, Rio Lado, Grindstone Loop, portions of Aspen Loop Trail, and the Colorado Trail, south from Molas Pass to the Junction Creek Trailhead.
Closed roads include Hillside Drive (FR 436), Roaring Fork (FR 435), Scotch Creek (FR 550), Big Pole Springs Road (FR 401), Little Pole Springs Road (FR 402), Spruce Mill Road (FR 350), Dillons Cabin Road (FR 351), Turkey Creek Road (FR 352), Rock Springs Road (FR 556) and the West Mancos Road (FR 561).
“We want to thank the public for their cooperation during the closure,” Padilla said.
Stage 2 restrictions allow campgrounds, roads, and trails to reopen, and operations to resume for those with permits and contracts for doing business on the public lands.
Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in place on BLM land. All open fires, outdoor smoking, explosives and use of machines like chain saws that could give off sparks, are banned.
The lifted closure order from the Forest Service reopens the shoreline of McPhee Reservoir and lands in Montezuma County, Sheriff Steve Nowlin confirmed. The McPhee and House Creek campgrounds, and the House Creek Road and boat ramp also are reopening.
The Montezuma County fire ban, enacted April 16, is still in effect. It prohibits open fires and fireworks in unincorporated parts of the county. Burn barrels equipped with a quarter-inch screen are allowed when used in an area 20 feet in radius and free of vegetation.
Burro Fire forest closures (PDF)
