Construction to begin on North Fruita campground

GRAND JUNCTION, CO – Visitors to the North Fruita Desert will soon have a new campground, located at the northern end of 18 Rd, on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office. BLM will temporarily close the existing campground, located on the same site, during the month-long construction project scheduled to begin on September 19. This project is part of BLM’s efforts to implement the North Fruita Desert management plan, developed through widespread community involvement and finalized in late 2004.

“The site is located in an area popular with mountain bikers,” BLM Transportation Planner Jim Cooper said. “After the new campground is completed, visitors will have the choice of either camping in these new designated sites or camping in undeveloped sites outside the bicycle emphasis area.”

The new camping facility will include 35 primitive campsites with tables and grills, four vault toilets, and cable and post fencing. Those choosing to camp in undeveloped sites outside the bicycle emphasis area will be required to use fire pans.

The public is reminded that several community partners are working with BLM this Saturday, Sept. 10, to sign trails in the North Fruita Desert. Register now for this project at http://www.voutdoors.org. (Click on "Find Volunteer Opportunities," enter "September 10" and select BLM Grand Junction as the agency), or by calling (970) 244-3021. Volunteers are meeting at 10 a.m. at the trailhead located about 4 miles north of the canal on 18 Rd. Volunteers will meet back at the trailhead about 3 p.m. for fun and refreshments. If you want to help, wear work clothes and bring sunscreen and water.

The North Fruita Desert sees a diverse mix of uses. A popular destination for all trail enthusiasts, the area features a bicycle emphasis area, a multi-use trail system, a horse-foot emphasis area and an off-highway vehicle area designated for open/cross country travel. An active coal mining operation and several natural gas wells can also be found in the North Fruita Desert vicinity.

For additional information on the North Fruita Desert, contact Jim Cooper at 970-244-3047.

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Editor’s Note: Media interviews and photo ops available at 10 a.m., Sept. 10. Call Mel Lloyd for details and directions to site, which is roughly 30 minutes from downtown Grand Junction.