Colorado Parks and Wildlife issued an emergency closure Monday prohibiting all public access and recreation on the Colorado River from James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park in Fruita downstream to the Utah state line, citing high fire-weather danger and the need to support firefighting efforts for the Snyder Fire.

The closure, implemented in coordination with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, prohibits all boating and floating activities in the restricted area, including jet boats, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and paddleboarding. The closure is expected to remain in place through the Fourth of July weekend. Everything upstream of Fruita remains open to public access.

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Those currently boating or floating the Colorado River are encouraged to end their float in Grand Junction at the Blue Heron boat launch, or farther upstream.

Horsethief State Wildlife Area and Loma Boat Launch State Wildlife Area are also closed to the public. Information on those closures is available at cpw.state.co.us/state-wildlife-areas/horsethief-canyon-swa and cpw.state.co.us/state-wildlife-areas/loma-boat-launch-swa.

The Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office has additionally issued an emergency closure of all BLM-managed public lands in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. Details are available at blm.gov/announcement/blm-closes-public-lands-mcinnis-canyons-national-conservation-area-due-snyder-mesa.

CPW urges the public to respect the closure for their own safety and to protect firefighters and emergency responders working in the area. Entering a closed area can result in fines, citations, and trespassing charges.