Camping closure issued

As spring run-off begins and the snow turns to rain, potential hazards from the Mullen Fire are beginning to impact potential early season recreationists.

On May 12, the United States Forest Service announced that post-wildfire hazards along the North Platte River had prompted a temporary camping prohibition. Effective as of the issuance of the announcement, overnight camping on National Forest lands within 1,000 feet of the centerline of the North Platte River was prohibited. 

The portion of the North Platte River impacted by the closure extends from where the river flows across the Routt National Forest boundary south of the Routt Access trailhead and recreation site to where the river flows north across the Medicine Bow National Forest boundary near the confluence with Savage Run Creek.

According to the announcement, the closure is necessary to minimize the "threat to human life and safety," read the announcement. "Due to the 2020 Mullen Fire there is increased potential for hazards along the river including debris flows, flash floods and hazard trees. Long-duration activities in one location, such as camping, increase exposure time and therefore increase the risk associated with these activities.

"Run-off is beginning and our on-the-ground observations have confirmed the modeling from late last fall, which indicates a high probability of flash flooding in some drainages impacted by the Mullen Fire," said Forest Supervisor Russ Bacon in the release. "This temporary camping closure is in place with the safety of Forest visitors as our priority."

The announcement went on to state that the United States Forest Service had coordinated with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department as the closure would impact both sportsmen and recreationists. While camping will not be allowed along that section of the North Platte River, day use of the river such as fishing and rafting may still take place.

Forest visitors should expect a changed landscape when entering the burned area with multiple new hazards. Water flows in the North Platte River and its tributaries have the potential to increase quickly while carrying burned debris, ash and soil. Debris, log jams, trees and strainers may create new obstacles or rapids in the river.

The Mullen Fire burned 176,213 acres and began in the Savage Run Wilderness on September 17, 2020. At its widest point, the fire was 25 miles north to south and 23 miles east to west. The fire impacted the Savage Run and Platte River Wilderness Areas, the North Platte River, City of Cheyenne water supply and public and private lands in Albany and Carbon counties in Wyoming and Jackson County, Colorado.

On-the-ground condition reports can be obtained by contacting Forest Service district offices. Information about recreation site status, maps, Burned Area Emergency Response and post-wildfire management efforts as well as potential hazards and emergency contacts can be found on the United States Forest Service website.