BLM Implements Management Plan In Cache Creek

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has begun implementing the Cache Creek Management Plan in the area immediately west and south of Granite in Chaffee County.  The plan went into effect last year and construction of a seasonal closure gate on the powerline road will be completed in the very near future.

In January 2000, the BLM acquired 2,160 acres, with important wildlife habitat values, from The Conservation Fund.  Since that time BLM employees have been working on a management plan for the acquired lands and some adjacent public lands to determine what routes will be available for motorized access.  There was considerable public outreach and solicitation of public involvement to gain comments on travel management during the planning stages of the plan.

The primary designated route into the area is the powerline road going south from County Road 398 to a parking area near Cache Creek.  This route is about 1 mile in length and ends before it intersects with the Colorado Trail, which is designated for non-motorized use only.  A gate is being re-built on the powerline road, .3 miles from where it branches off County road 398.  The gate will help implement a seasonal closure from December to June each year for elk wintering and subsequent calving. 

Associate Royal Gorge Field Manager, John Carochi said  “because public access to the recently acquired parcel had never been available without the permission of the private landowners, the routes selected will give public access beyond what has been traditionally available.  These routes, along with the existing Chaffee County roads in the area, give a reasonable amount of access to the public lands for a variety of users while protecting the land for the primary reason it was acquired, which is critical wildlife habitat.”   While motorized access to the area will be limited to designated roads and trails, the entire Cache Creek parcel of public land remains available for non-motorized access.  In addition to the access already discussed, additional access to a proposed recreational placering area is being analyzed at this time.

Carochi added “We appreciate the enthusiasm and support of the Collegiate Peaks Anglers Chapter of Trout Unlimited who assisted in a major cleanup project of the area and the development of parking areas.”

Anyone wanting further information about the area can call Dave Gilbert at (719) 269-8529.

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