Owyhee County closes areas due to mud

Owyhee County officials have ordered emergency area closures throughout the county due to dangers to the public caused by the snowpack, run-off, mud and erratic weather conditions.

The closures were designed to protect public health and safety. Sheriff Gary Aman has reported several recent incidents in which his office has been called to rescue stranded motorists and vehicles.

Increasing numbers of recreation users are drawn to the Owyhee back country, which has become extremely dangerous, he said.

The closures became necessary because of increased traffic into the danger areas and the increased rescue costs to the county, he added.

After meeting with the sheriff, the prosecuting attorney, and the Road District 1 manager, and after conferring with the BLM district manager, the Owyhee County Commissioners ordered the following areas temporarily closed.

All areas:

* South of the "A" Canal to Highway 95.

* South of Sommorcamp Road from Highway 95 to the power line.

* South of the 500kw power line to Upper Reynolds Creek Road.

* South and west of Reynolds Creek Road to the intersection of Rabbit Creek Road.

* South of Rabbit Creek Road to Murphy.

* South of Highway 78 to Oreana Loop Road.

* South of Oreane Loop Road to Oreana Cut off Road.

* South of Oreana Cut Off Road to Mud Flat Road.

* South of Mud Flat Road between Oreana Cut Off Road and Shoofly Road.

* South of Shoofly road to Highway 51.

* South of Sugar Valley road to the Bruneau River.

Signs marking the point of closure will be posted on roads or trails entering the areas. Anyone who enters a closed area and becomes stranded will be liable for the costs of rescue efforts by the county under Idaho Code, section 6-2401 (liability for emergency response). Anyone who violates a closure order may be charged with violation of Owyhee County Ordinances 07-02 through 07-05.

More importantly, Aman noted, anyone who violates the closure order or enters a closed area runs the "extreme risk of injury to person and property."

Owyhee County officials request that citizens respect the closure signs to avoid injury and to avoid legal proceedings.

Owyhee County officials request that citizens of the whole Treasure Valley respect the closure order to avoid injury and resource damage and to avoid legal proceedings.