For Immediate Release: Aug. 10, 2004
Contact: Steven Hall: 970-244-3052

North Fruita Desert Plan released

GRAND JUNCTION—Just north of Fruita, 72,235 acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management bring thousands of people every year to enjoy single-track trails, hiking and horseback riding. Now a new Resource Management Plan amendment will protect resources while balancing recreational needs.

"This plan is the result of years of collaboration between the local community and the BLM on the future of one of Colorado’s favorite recreation areas," Grand Junction Field Manager Catherine Robertson said. "We’ve struck a balance between the experiences people want and protecting the resource for the enjoyment of future generations."

A socio-economic analysis by the BLM found that the North Fruita Desert Area generates $693,000 annually in local spending, supporting 33 jobs. Ninety percent of this local economic impact is attributed to mountain biking. By 2020, the North Fruita Desert Area may generate more than $1.5 million and support 66 jobs.

Highlights of the plan include:

• 5,298-acre bicycle area closed to motorized recreation
• 435-acre OHV area designated for open/cross country travel
• Kiosks providing information about rules and routes will be placed at every major entry point.
• Creation of 8.5 miles of new single track.
• Closure of 65 miles of routes, most of which are unsustainable or dead-end trails. Some closed routes encouraged trespass on private property.
• Construction of a trailhead near the OHV open area with access to a 251-mile designated loop system available to all users.
• Improvements to the campground located near the mountain bike area trailhead.

Between 2000 and 2004, the BLM hosted 20 public meetings to help formulate the plan. Increases in recreation, particularly mountain biking, prompted the planning effort.

"The proliferation of user-created bicycle trails and increased impacts to the resources in the area led to the current plan," said Britta Laub, BLM Grand Junction Recreation Planner. "We have struck a balance between sustainable recreation and being good stewards of the North Fruita Desert."

The North Fruita Desert Citizen Ad-Hoc Committee drove the planning effort. Sanctioned by the BLM’s Northwest Colorado Resource Advisory Council, this group included representatives from the Sierra Club, Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Assoc., Mesa County Cycling Assoc., Bookcliff Rattlers Motorcycle Club, Colorado Environmental Coalition, Western Slope ATV Assoc., City of Fruita, Colorado State Parks, landowners, grazing permittees, and other recreational interests.

The final plan is available at the BLM Grand Junction Field Office at 2815 H Rd. or online at www.co.blm.gov/gjra. Questions or comments regarding the final plan should be addressed to Jim Cooper at 970-244-3047, or James_Cooper@co.blm.gov; or to Britta Laub at 970-244-3031, or Britta_Laub@co.blm.gov; or by mail at 2815 H Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81506.

- BLM -