• Road will be closed June 1 through July 1 for important restoration work

The popular Bloomington Lake Road (NFSR 409) on the Montpelier Ranger District will close for repairs beginning June 1. This closure order will be in place while heavy equipment is making repairs to the road. The forest anticipates reopening the road on July 1.

The Bloomington Lake Road has deteriorated substantially over the last few years,” said Dell Transtrum, Montpelier Acting District Ranger. “Natural erosion and heavy vehicle use have torn the road down to its bedrock layer.”

Transtrum says when vehicles travel at excessive speeds, fish tail in the gravel, fail to use 4-wheel drive when appropriate and spin tires, etc., it removes the gravel and increases erosion and results in resource damage.

This kind of heavy maintenance is time intensive. The forest expects to have the road closed for one month to complete this laborious process. The final product will improve public access to the forest and help protect this recreational resource for future generations. As always, once the road is improved, the public is encouraged to use it respectfully and responsibly.

Once the approximately six miles of road is resurfaced, individuals are urged to be respectful and Tread Lightly. Roosting around corners, driving too fast and spinning tires quickly ruins the road and the experience for others.

For more information contact the Montpelier Ranger District at 208-847-0375.