GMUG renews Almont Triangle winter wildlife closure

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District is renewing the annual winter closure for the Almont Triangle area, which will span from Dec. 12 at 12 a.m. to April 30 at 11:59 p.m., and each subsequent year through 2030 from Dec. 1 at 12 a.m. to April 30 at 11:59 p.m.
This annual winter closure is necessary to limit disturbance within critical winter range for deer, elk and bighorn sheep and Gunnison sage-grouse winter habitat. Limiting disturbance during winter months allows animals to conserve vital energy reserves needed to survive harsh conditions, find scarce food and successfully give birth, preventing stress-induced death and population decline.
The GMUG and Colorado Parks & Wildlife cooperatively implement the Almont Triangle closure across adjacent Forest Service and state lands.
A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for up to six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C.§§ 3559, 3571 and 3581.
For more information on this closure order, to include a detailed map, please visit our website or contact the Gunnison Ranger District at (970) 641-0471.