By BECKY GOODRICH
Fast Facts:
- All areas on Mount Jumbo north of Saddle Road will re-open to the public on Wednesday, May 15.
- Mount Jumbo’s South Zone opened April 15. Dogs must be under strict voice and sight control and may not chase or harass wildlife and livestock.
Parks and Recreation, in consultation with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, has extended the winter wildlife closure for Mount Jumbo’s North Zone. All areas north of Jumbo’s Saddle Road will re-open to the public on Wednesday, May 15. The North Zone is accessible via the trailhead at Upper Lincoln Hills Drive.
The winter closure protects Mount Jumbo’s elk herd from human and canine disturbance, allowing the animals to stay close to their food supply and conserve energy during the calving season. The closure also helps prevent the elk from becoming habituated to people and dogs and altering their natural behaviors.
Mount Jumbo’s South Zone, including the Backbone Trail and trails near the “L”, re-opened on April 15. For a complete map of Mount Jumbo and all City open space, purchase the Parks, Trails and Open Space map at Currents Aquatics Center for $4.
Dogs must be under strict voice and sight control on Mount Jumbo, and leashed where posted. Pet owners are asked to respect conservation lands, adjacent private property, other park visitors and wildlife by controlling their dogs at all times and removing their pet’s waste. Pet owners may not allow their dogs to chase, attack or harass wildlife or livestock on City open space. Free Mutt Mitts and loaner leashes are provided at trailheads.
For more information, call 721-PARK or visit the Parks and Recreation website at www.missoulaparks.org.