For Immediate Release:  May 20, 2003
Contact: Steven Hall, 970-244-3052

Public comment period for Gunnison Gorge NCA ends June 16

MONTROSE—The June 16, 2003 deadline for public comments on the future management of the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation area is fast approaching. The Bureau of Land Management Uncompahgre Field Office released the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area Draft Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for public comment in early March, and encourages the public to provide their input.

The Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area was created in 1999 by the Black Canyon National Park and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area Act, which designated about 55,700 acres as the Gunnison Gorge NCA, including the 17,700 Gunnison Gorge Wilderness.

The Draft Resource Management Plan (DRMP) provides four alternatives, including continuing current management policies for the area. When approved, the DRMP will provide direction for managing the Gunnison Gorge NCA for the next 10-12 years. Alternative D, the BLM’s preferred alternative, provides a mix of management options to meet the requirements of the Congressional Act while providing resource protection, traditional uses and recreation.

Tetra Tech, Inc., a Boulder, Colorado private consulting firm, has been contracted to assist BLM in preparing the DRMP.  The DRMP/EIS can be found online at www.gunnison-gorge-eis.com or by visiting the Uncompahgre Field Office.

Written comments may be submitted using any of the following means:

(1)       By mail to Gunnison Gorge NCA Draft RMP/EIS, c/o Tetra Tech, Inc., 3775 Iris Avenue, Suite 4, Boulder, CO 80301;

(2)       (2) By fax to (720) 406-9114; or

(3)       (3) By e-mail to angie.nelson@tetratech.com (reference Draft RMP/EIS in the subject field). 

All written comments must include legible full name and return address. Please refer to specific page numbers and line numbers in your comments.  In order to be considered, your written submissions must be received by close of business (4:30 p.m.) on June 16, 2003.   For information, please contact either Tetra Tech in Boulder, Colorado, or Bill Bottomly, Gunnison Gorge NCA planner, at 970-2140-5337, in Montrose, Colorado.

-BLM-