Colorado Parks and Wildlife has closed public access to four State Wildlife Areas in Rio Blanco County for firefighter and public safety due to the Lee and Elk fires, located near Meeker.

Effective immediately, the following State Wildlife Areas are closed to the public until further notice.

• Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area
• Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area
• Colorow Mountain State Wildlife Area
• Piceance State Wildlife Area - Little Hills Unit and North Ridge Unit

Gates at these properties have been left open to aid firefighting efforts. CPW is asking the public to respect the closures in place, not only for their safety but also for the safety of fire crews on the ground.

“We know the timing of this isn’t ideal,” said Meeker Area Wildlife Manager Johnathan Lambert. “This time of year, we see an increase in hunters in these areas, scouting and preparing for the upcoming big game hunting season. For your safety and the safety of the fire crews actively working in these areas, we ask that you please stay out of these areas.”

In addition to the closures at the State Wildlife Areas, the White River National Forest - Blanco Ranger Districtand Bureau of Land Management - White River Field Office have issued public closures in the areas of the Lee and Elk fires in Rio Blanco County.