WINTHROP, WA. – (KGMI.com) If you have a trip to the Winthrop area planned this winter, your recreation options may be limited.

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife says they are closing five units of the Methow Valley Wildlife Area this winter.

The closure will protect wintering mule deer and foraging habitat that benefits songbirds, salmon and other wildlife.

The area consists of shrub steppe, grasslands and the iconic Ponderosa Pine forests.

The closure will be in place from December 13th to March 31st.

The popular Methow Trails area will not be impacted by the closures.

Neither will other select areas used for fishing and outdoor recreational activities.

For all the details go to the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website.