Contrary to earlier reports, Wetherill Mesa at Mesa Verde National Park will remain closed the rest of the season because of damage from the Bircher and Pony fires.

The Bircher Fire burned more than 23,000 acres, 19,000 of those in the park, while the Pony Fire burned 5,240 acres, 1,000 in the park.

Superintendent Larry Wiese said in a press release that the Wetherill portion of the park will not reopen until the spring of 2001.

"Following a review of safety concerns, work to be accomplished, overall costs of the Wetherill operations and loss of fees to fund personnel during the past fires," it would not be wise to open Wetherill, the release said.

Wiese had said earlier that Wetherill, which normally closes in the fall, would stay open through much of September and special tours would be offered of the area burned during the Pony Fire.