Colorado Parks and Wildlife provides update on Oak Ridge and Piceance State Wildlife Areas

Rachael Gonzales
Northwest Region Public Information Officer
970-773-8587 / [email protected]
Twitter: @CPW_NW Colorado Parks and Wildlife provides update on Oak Ridge and Piceance State Wildlife Areas

Aug. 29, 2025

MEEKER, Colo. — With improved containment and reduced fire activity for the Lee and Elk fires, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has decided to reopen Oak Ridge and Piceance State Wildlife Areas (SWA).

On Monday, Sept. 1, Oak Ridge and Piceance State Wildlife Areas will reopen with the following restrictions in place. 

Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area:
Public access and campgrounds within the Oak Ridge SWA will reopen to the public, except for the “Sleepy Cat” entrance and campground which will remain closed to the public. 

CPW reminds the public that Lake Avery Reservoir is closed to the public. The closure has been in place since 2024 for safety due to the dam maintenance and construction project.  

Piceance State Wildlife Area:
The Little Hills Unit will remain closed to the public due to public and firefighter safety closures on surrounding public lands by the Bureau of Land Management - White River Field Office.  

The North Ridge Unit will reopen west of Rio Blanco County Road 127, everything within the unit east of Rio Blanco County Road 127 will remain closed to the public. While portions of these units will open to the public, access may be limited due road closures. Currently, Rio Blanco County Roads 22 and 127 are closed. For up to date information on road closures go to Rio Blanco County.

Increased risk for flash floods
While much needed rain has been a welcome sight for many areas, slow moving storms that produce heavy rain over the Lee and Elk fire have created an increased risk for flash floods. 

Hunters in these areas should keep the following in mind.

• Weather can change in an instant. Having a weather radio or two-way messaging device will ensure you can get weather forecasts and emergency alerts in areas where cell service is limited or not available.

• If flooding is occurring, get to higher ground as quickly and safely as possible. 

• Turn around, don't drown. Never walk or drive through flooded roads. It takes just six inches of moving water to knock an adult off their feet, and one foot of moving water is enough to sweep away a vehicle.

Public safety closures
The Lee Fire and Elk Fires are two of several fires in Colorado that have led to public safety closures in parts of our national forests and public lands. Hunters are reminded that your hunt may take you to an area that's closed for firefighter and public safety which means these areas are also closed to hunting. While gates in these areas may have been left open to aid in fire fighting efforts, CPW is asking the public to respect the closures in place for your safety and the safety of fire crews on the ground. 

When in doubt, reach out. For additional information on alternative access locations, please visit the Colorado Hunting Atlas online or contact your local CPW office. To learn more about forest and public land closures where you plan to hunt, contact the National Forest or Bureau of Land Management local ranger district office for more information.

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BACKGROUND:
On Aug. 2, two small fires caused by lightning on the west side of Highway 13, south of Highway 64 would eventually merge into one fire, now known as the Lee Fire. The combination of extreme drought conditions, low humidity, and gusty winds created ideal conditions for rapid fire growth. In just eight days, the Lee Fire would grow to over 100,000 acres in size and is now the fifth-largest wildfire in Colorado. As of Friday, Aug. 29, the Lee Fire sits at 90% Containment.

On the same day, just east of Highway 13, south of the Town of Meeker the Elk  fire was started by lightning.  Similar to the Lee fire, strong afternoon winds led to rapid fire growth. As a result, evacuations were issued for areas near the fire, along with a pre-evacuation notice for the Town of Meeker. As of Friday, Aug. 29, the Elk Fire is 100% contained.

Learn more about how Colorado Parks and Wildlife assisted local communities during Elk and Lee fires here.