Terry Richard/The OregonianThe Owyhee Canyon not far from Birch Creek Ranch.The BLM is implementing an emergency closure of the Birch Creek Ranch Road and the historic Birch Creek Ranch on the east bank of the Owyhee River in Malheur County.

The closure will be in effect from Nov. 30 to Feb. 15, as published in the Federal Register.

The closure is to protect natural and historic resources associated with the access road and the ranch during the winter months.

BLM will not be plowing or maintaining the Birch Creek Road during these months and attempts by the public to use the road could be extremely hazardous, according to Carolyn Freeborn, Jordan field manager for the BLM's Vale District.

The closure also prohibits access to the ranch from across the Owyhee River. Accessing the Birch Creek Road or ranch during this closure could result in law enforcement action.