Due to the encroaching threat of the Lee fire, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has announced the temporary closure of its Meeker Area Office, affecting the surrounding community and wildlife areas. In light of the ongoing emergency, CPW stresses the importance of safety for staff and residents. "Our priority right now is the safety of our staff and making sure we are available to help the Meeker community," said Area Wildlife Manager Johnathan Lambert, as per CPW.
Lambert further emphasized the connection CPW staff have with the area, noting, "Meeker is not just where we work; it’s also our home. We have staff who are currently evacuating their homes due to the Lee Fire," as obtained by CPW. The unpredictability of the blaze has led to the decision to direct resources toward aiding the community; hence, the closure. CPW has reminded patrons that services such as purchasing licenses and daily access passes can still be completed online through the Shop CPW website.
In-person services for those in the Meeker vicinity are being redirected to nearby locations, including the Yampa River State Park, Steamboat Springs Area Office, Glenwood Springs Area Office, and Rifle Gap State Park. As the Lee and adjacent Elk fires continue their destructive path, CPW has also advised of the immediate closure of four State Wildlife Areas: Oak Ridge, Rio Blanco Lake, Colorow Mountain, and sections of the Piceance State Wildlife Area.
