For Immediate Release: March 19, 2007 
Contact: Mel Lloyd BLM 970-244-3097
 

BLM conducting pre-plan activities for Gateway area

Grand Junction, Colo. — The Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office is gearing up to develop a management plan for public lands it administers in the Gateway area.  With the development of the Gateway Canyons Resort, Gateway is becoming a destination point, and public lands are sure to be discovered and explored along the way.  The plan will address scenic landscapes; preservation and interpretation important to heritage tourism; energy development; and recreation, including trails and climbing routes.  The plan will cover approximately 198,000 acres of public lands in southwestern Mesa County. 

“I’m excited about the opportunity to develop a proactive management plan,” Field Manager Catherine Robertson said.  “This management plan will help ensure that BLM is prepared with sustainable recreation opportunities for the Gateway area.”

BLM is presently considering a proposal to develop a 10-mile hiking and mountain bike trail in Lumsden and Gateway Canyons.  Management of the area is presently guided by the Grand Junction Resource Area Resource Management Plan.  An Environmental Assessment is being developed, with a spring 2007 decision anticipated.  If approved, construction on the trail would begin shortly thereafter to help meet the growing demands for recreation opportunities on those public lands near the Town of Gateway.  As part of the proposal, Gateway Canyons Resort, who recently adopted The Palisade Wilderness Study Area, would provide a public trailhead and parking on resort grounds.

“This really is a win-win proposal.  BLM knows that resort guests will want to explore public lands adjacent to the resort,” Outdoor Recreation Planner Ken Straley said.  “It will also provide a great hike-bike opportunity for folks coming from Grand Junction or Delta for the day.” 

BLM has much to accomplish prior to the plan’s kick-off.  Hundreds of routes exist as a result of the area’s rich mining heritage, and a complete route inventory, important to the planning process, will be conducted this field season.  In addition, BLM has partnered with Arizona State University and Mesa State College for the purpose of conducting a recreation study to obtain information on recreation preferences in the Gateway area.  Focus groups, and onsite and mail-back visitor surveys will be used to gather information, and because many visitors to the Gateway area stop at the resort, it will provide the best opportunities for visitor contact.  BLM encourages those contacted to take a few moments to answer questions from the student surveyors and to mail back their completed survey forms.  The research will help BLM better understand the benefits that the public associates with the Gateway area.

“It’s a privilege for those of us at Gateway Canyons Resort to work among the spectacular natural resources surrounding the Town of Gateway,” John Williams said.  “We realize the impact our presence may bring to the area, and we’re approaching this knowing that the benefits of a management plan can enrich not only our customers’ resort experience but also the lives of many others who visit and live in the area.”

The resort is also partnering with the BLM to educate its clientele and staff on responsible outdoor ethics in canyon country.  The public scoping comment period for the plan is expected sometime in 2008.  For further information, contact Ken Straley at (970) 244-3031.

-BLM-