12-19-2006, 07:10 PM
The Colorado Division of Wildlife announces annual seasonal closures at several State Wildlife Areas (SWA) in the San Luis Valley area.
One of the important uses of wildlife areas is to provide safe winter havens for a variety of species. Winter is a difficult time for wildlife, especially deer and elk. They need to use all available energy to stay alive. The closures allow wildlife to get through the winter months without being disturbed by human activity.
Numerous closures also are in effect to protect nesting waterfowl and other birds.
Because deer and elk gather during the winter months, they are often easier to see from roadways. Please, observe wildlife from a distance. If animals begin to move that means you are too close. If animals are forced to move needlessly during winter months their energy stores become depleted and their chances for survival decrease.
Following is a list of the closures:
"¢ San Luis Lakes SWA: Feb 15-July 16<br />
"¢ Hot Creek SWA: Jan 1-April 30<br />
"¢ La Jara Creek SWA: Jan 1-Thursday before Memorial Day. Closed to all vehicles. Foot travel is allowed.<br />
"¢ Sego Springs SWA: Feb 15- July 15.<br />
"¢ Coller SWA: Jan 1 - April 1 Closed to all vehicles. Foot travel is allowed.
Signs noting the closures are posted at all the areas. If you see someone violating a closure, please call the Monte Vista DOW office at (719)587-6900. When reporting a violation, please include: location, when the violation occurred and descriptions of people and vehicles.
One of the important uses of wildlife areas is to provide safe winter havens for a variety of species. Winter is a difficult time for wildlife, especially deer and elk. They need to use all available energy to stay alive. The closures allow wildlife to get through the winter months without being disturbed by human activity.
Numerous closures also are in effect to protect nesting waterfowl and other birds.
Because deer and elk gather during the winter months, they are often easier to see from roadways. Please, observe wildlife from a distance. If animals begin to move that means you are too close. If animals are forced to move needlessly during winter months their energy stores become depleted and their chances for survival decrease.
Following is a list of the closures:
"¢ San Luis Lakes SWA: Feb 15-July 16<br />
"¢ Hot Creek SWA: Jan 1-April 30<br />
"¢ La Jara Creek SWA: Jan 1-Thursday before Memorial Day. Closed to all vehicles. Foot travel is allowed.<br />
"¢ Sego Springs SWA: Feb 15- July 15.<br />
"¢ Coller SWA: Jan 1 - April 1 Closed to all vehicles. Foot travel is allowed.
Signs noting the closures are posted at all the areas. If you see someone violating a closure, please call the Monte Vista DOW office at (719)587-6900. When reporting a violation, please include: location, when the violation occurred and descriptions of people and vehicles.