Closure Issued for Owl Creek Pass Pit Area

Release Date: Jun 7, 2023

Montrose, Colorado, June 7, 2023 — The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests issued a closure order for Owl Creek Pass Pit area, located on the Ouray Ranger District off National Forest System Road (NFSR) #858, beginning June 5 through Dec. 31, 2023. The purpose of the closure is for public health and safety during the crushing operations performed by Ouray County and contractors at Owl Creek Pass Pit.

The closure area includes approximately 5 acres of National Forest System lands in and around the Owl Creek Pass Pit adjacent to NFSR #858–Owl Creek road and the pit access road that spurs off Owl Creek road. Heavy equipment will be present seven days a week to excavate material, crush it and store it on-site. Crushing operations will begin June 5 and occur throughout the summer and fall seasons.

Recreational activities including dispersed camping are prohibited in the closure area. The public is asked to adhere to this closure and pay close attention to all signage. Travelers and forest visitors should be alert and avoid areas where heavy equipment is working. For more information, please contact the Ouray Ranger District at 970-240-5300.

For more information on current fire restrictions, conditions and recreation opportunities, visit the forest website or www.westslopefireinformation.com. Connect with us or follow us on social media (Twitter and Facebook).

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The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests manage approximately 3 million acres of land in Southwest Colorado within Delta, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Mesa, Mineral, Montrose, Ouray, Saguache, San Juan and San Miguel counties.