YAKIMA, Wash. – Starting January 16, drivers will not be able to use four Green Dot roads on the Wenas Wildlife Area in Yakima and Kittitas Counties for several weeks, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
WDFW said in its release that the following roads will be closed to motorized use until May 1:
Hessler Flats RoadMcCabe Road Black Canyon RoadNorthwest section of Ridge Road
The roads were damaged by an increase in runoff and erosion due to a loss of vegetation caused by the 2024 Black Canyon Fire.
WDFW said the one-time seasonal closure will prevent vehicles from damaging the roads further during the wet season.
Meanwhile, Bull Pasture Road, about nine miles north of Selah, will remain closed to vehicles until May 1, 2025 to protect wintering wildlife and prevent road damage during the wet season, WDFW said.
The area is used as winter range for approximately 500 elk and provides cover for upland birds, mule deer, Townsend Ground squirrel, burrowing owls and many songbirds, WDFW added.
