Seasonal motorized vehicle closure at Sand Hills Critical Wildlife Habitat Area

– The Bureau of Land Management, Sierra Front Field Office seasonal
motorized vehicle closure of the Sand Hills Critical Wildlife Area went into effect on Dec. 1,
2024, and will end on April 30, 2025. This habitat area is located 20 miles north of Reno, NV
and is located east of Red Rock Road, south of Bedell Flat Road and west of Bird Springs Road.
The annual motorized vehicle closure encompasses approximately 13,300 acres and protects
critical winter range habitat for mule deer. Law enforcement will be conducting patrols of the
closure boundary to ensure compliance with the closure. Areas outside of this closure remain
open to motorized use and the public is encouraged to seek out alternate riding opportunities.
Nevada Department of Wildlife would like to remind public land users that seasonal closures of
OHV traffic on Critical Mule Deer habitat are important to conserve mule deer and their body
condition this time of year. Reducing human disturbance is even more crucial following
catastrophic fires that have consumed large portions of habitat for this interstate mule deer herd.
“This seasonal closure is vital for Mule Deer habitat,” said Paul Fuselier, Acting Sierra Front
Field Manager. “We encourage the public to enjoy recreating on public land by finding alternate
riding areas during this time.”