PRESS RELEASE
MEEKER | Colorado Parks and Wildlife has decided to reopen Oak Ridge and Piceance State Wildlife Areas (SWA) with the following restrictions in place.
Oak Ridge SWA:
Public access and campgrounds within the Oak Ridge SWA will reopen to the public, except for the “Sleepy Cat” entrance and campground which will remain closed to the public.
CPW reminds the public that Lake Avery Reservoir is closed to the public. The closure has been in place since 2024 for safety due to the dam maintenance and construction project.
Piceance SWA:
The Little Hills Unit will remain closed to the public due to public and firefighter safety closures on surrounding public lands by the Bureau of Land Management – White River Field Office.
The North Ridge Unit will reopen west of Rio Blanco County Road 127, everything within the unit east of Rio Blanco County Road 127 will remain closed to the public. While portions of these units will open to the public, access may be limited due to road closures. Currently, Rio Blanco County Roads 22 and 127 are closed. For up to date information on road closures go to Rio Blanco County.
While much needed rain has been a welcome sight for many areas, slow moving storms have created an increased risk for flash floods.
• Weather can change in an instant. Having a weather radio or two-way messaging device will ensure you can get weather forecasts and emergency alerts in areas where cell service is limited or not available.
• If flooding is occurring, get to higher ground as quickly and safely as possible.
• Turn around, don’t drown. Never walk or drive through flooded roads. It takes just six inches of moving water to knock an adult off their feet, and one foot of moving water is enough to sweep away a vehicle.
• Hunters are reminded that your hunt may take you to an area that’s closed for firefighter and public safety which means these areas are also closed to hunting. While gates in these areas may have been left open to aid in fire fighting efforts, CPW is asking the public to respect the closures in place.
For additional information on alternative access locations, please visit the Colorado Hunting Atlas online or contact your local CPW office.