RBC I The Bureau of Land Management Little Snake Field Office is reminding people planning to collect shed antlers in northwest Colorado this spring that it is illegal to travel off existing roads in a motor vehicle on lands managed by the BLM.
“Most visitors follow the rules and enjoy public lands responsibly,” said BLM Little Snake Field Manager Wendy Reynolds. “It only takes a minute to drive off designated roads and trails to impact natural resources for a lifetime.”
Persons who illegally leave roads on ATVs or other motorized vehicles cause tremendous, often permanent, damage every spring. Off-road driving can cause significant damage anytime, but moist spring soils are especially susceptible.
The resulting damage can cause erosion and serious impacts to important wildlife habitat. The animals are also vulnerable to motorized disturbance during early spring because of winter stress.
BLM rangers will be patrolling popular shed hunting areas this spring all around northwestern Colorado to ensure compliance with existing travel management rules.
Reynolds asks the public to report any and all public land violations to BLM law enforcement.
A citation for riding an ATV off existing roads or in a closed area can result in fines of $250. Harassing wildlife may result in a $200 fine.
“We don’t want to write tickets,” Reynolds said. “We’d much rather the public follow the rules and not damage their resources.”
