Boise Closes Trails to Help 3,000 Animals Recover from Fire

When the Valley Fire tore through nearly 10,000 acres of the Boise River Wildlife Management Area in 2024, it didn't just burn trees. It destroyed the winter home of roughly 3,000 deer and elk who depend on that land to survive Idaho's harshest months.

Now Idaho Fish and Game is giving those animals the gift of space. The agency closed a portion of the WMA west of Highway 21 from February 1 through April 14, when big game typically migrates out for spring.

This marks the second consecutive year of seasonal closures in the burn area. While the decision impacts popular foothills trails along the Boise Front used by hikers, mountain bikers, and skiers, officials say it's essential for recovery.

Winter is already brutal for wildlife, especially young fawns and calves trying to build strength. Human activity like hiking and biking increases stress levels and forces animals to burn precious energy they need to stay healthy. In burned areas where food is scarce and protective cover is gone, those challenges multiply.

The closure protects critical winter range where animals are more visible and vulnerable than ever. Without interference, they can focus entirely on survival and rebuilding their strength.

The Bright Side

Regional Supervisor Josh Royse acknowledged the tradeoff between recreation and conservation. "We understand that people love using this part of the Boise River WMA during the winter," he said. "We certainly want that to continue, but closing the burn area to human entry again this winter is the best thing for the landscape and the animals."

The decision reflects something bigger: a community willing to sacrifice favorite trails for a few months so wildlife can thrive for generations. It shows that conservation doesn't always require permanent loss, just temporary patience.

The area will reopen April 14, depending on how quickly animals migrate. By then, the deer and elk will have had two full winters of undisturbed recovery time to rebuild their populations in habitat slowly healing from fire damage.

Sometimes the best thing we can do for nature is simply step back and let it heal.