Recently restored wetlands along the San Juan River at Navajo Lake State Park in northwestern New Mexico will be closed to public access until next August.
Restoration of the 45-acre wetlands at the park's Munoz Day Use Area was finished in July. About 50,000 willows, rushes and sedges were planted to provide habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.
State officials say a parking lot at the day use area will remain open and continue to provide access to trout fishermen to river sections called the Lower Flats and Baetis Bend.
The wetlands closure also will not block trails along the river used by fishermen.
Biologists with the Department of Game and Fish say closing the wetlands will allow the newly planted vegetation to become strongly established.
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