The Nature Conservancy adopts access seasons

Posted 2/18/20

Rather than leaving visitors guessing as to when the Heart Mountain Ranch Preserve is open each spring and fall, The Nature Conservancy has adopted seasons for the property.

The popular outdoor …

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The Nature Conservancy adopts access seasons

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Rather than leaving visitors guessing as to when the Heart Mountain Ranch Preserve is open each spring and fall, The Nature Conservancy has adopted seasons for the property.

The popular outdoor destination will now be closed to unscheduled visits from March 1 until the first Sunday in June and from Oct. 1 until Dec. 30.

“This will limit our liability, reduce impacts to wildlife, and maintain the condition of the trail,” said Bebe Crouse, a regional spokesman for The Nature Conservancy.

“We thought seasons would lend to more predictability,” Crouse said. “It can be frustrating to visitors to drive out and find the gates closed.”

In recent springs, bear activity has forced temporary closures.

There is still a chance to schedule group hikes and activities off-season, Crouse said, but it depends on grizzly activity and ground conditions. Further, groups would be required to be guided by TNC managers.

“It has to be safe,” Crouse said.

The first fun of the summer will come in early June for the annual community hike to the summit of Heart Mountain. Dates for summer activities will be announced later in the year so trail conditions can be considered.

— By Mark Davis

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