For Immediate Release: February 19, 2004
Contact:Steven Hall, 970-244-3052

BLM accepting comments on 21 Special Recreation Permits

The Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office is accepting public comment on Special Recreation Permits (SRP) for a number of commercial activities on public lands. The BLM uses SRPs to provide different recreation users the opportunity to engage in commercial enterprises, hold competitive events and hold organized group activities on public lands.

A total of 21 SRPs will be available for public comment from Feb. 20 – March 22. The Grand Junction Field Office administers approximately 74 SRPs. The SRPs available for public comment are available online at http://www.co.blm.gov/gjra/sars.html and at the Grand Junction Field Office located at 2815 H. Rd. in Grand Junction.

The BLM uses a permit system to manage economic aspects of recreation as well as ensure compliance with resource management goals and objectives. The BLM is required to collect "fair value" for the public when any of these types of activities take place on public lands. The BLM works to support the local economy by making public lands available for these activities. SRPs allow the BLM to manage commercial recreation to ensure a sustainable, quality experience for the public. Managing commercial recreation ensures protection of the natural resources that make recreation on public lands possible.

For more information on the SRPs currently available for public comment or to find out whether or not your activity on public land requires an SRP, contact Andy Windsor at 970-244-3044 or email Andy_Windsor@co.blm.gov.

 -BLM-