To protect wildlife wintering grounds, area closures and travel restrictions in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and National Elk Refuge take effect Saturday.

The restrictions are intended to preserve sensitive habitat for elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer and other species.

Beginning about 3.5 miles from its start on Broadway, Refuge Road will be closed to public travel until April 30. The closure includes Curtis Canyon and Flat Creek roads.

Elk and bison hunters with permits will be allowed to drive through the closure on days their permits are valid. After Jan. 6, when the bison season ends, the closure will be absolute.

Travel on the open portion of Refuge Road is confined to the roadway only. All off-road travel, including walking and skiing, is prohibited.

Many areas of the Jackson Ranger District in the Bridger-Teton also close Saturday. Josie’s Ridge, the K-C Trail, Wilson Canyon, the slopes above the Putt-Putt Trail, the slopes north of the Game Creek Trail and portions of the Gros Ventre drainage close to protect wildlife wintering grounds.

Additionally, dogs must be leashed on the open sections of the Game Creek and Putt-Putt Trails adjacent to the designated wildlife winter range.

For more information, call the Bridger-Teton Forest Service at 739-5500.