Annual seasonal trail-use closures to protect critical habitat for deer and elk on the new, non-motorized McPhee Overlook Trail (FS Trail 155) are lifting.

The one-mile section of the trail from Dolores to May Canyon is now open. The six-mile section of the trail between May Canyon and House Creek Campground will open on May 1. The House Creek Road will also open to motorized traffic on May 1.

Seasonal closures in critical winter range areas at lower elevations offer herds forage, shelter, and protection from disturbance over the winter and into early spring. For more information, contact the Dolores Ranger District at 970-882-7296

In honor of Arbor Day, the San Juan National Forest will promote the Plant-a-Tree program. Any individual who wishes to donate to the program is eligible to receive up to 10 native ponderosa pine seedlings on a first-come, first-served basis on Friday, April 28, or for as long as supplies last, by stopping by agency offices in Durango, Dolores, Bayfield and Pagosa Springs.

Donations to the program help cover the costs of collecting, storing and growing native trees to reforest burned areas on the San Juan National Forest. There is no minimum required donation amount. Seedlings should be kept cool and be planted within the week following pickup. Seedlings come with instructions.

For more information, contact the San Juan National Forest at (970) 247-4874.

The Journal