For Immediate Release: October 29, 2007
Contact: Mel Lloyd BLM 970-244-3097
 

BLM Uncompahgre to provide update on travel planning for Dry Creek Area

MONTROSE, Colo. — The Bureau of Land Management Uncompahgre Field Office (UFO) has scheduled an open house for Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007, to provide the public with an update on travel management planning activities for the Dry Creek area.  To accommodate everyone’s work schedule, the public may choose to attend either a 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., or 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., session at the DMEA Building located at 11925 6300 Road in Montrose.  UFO initiated a travel planning process last spring, and since that time, BLM staff has been hard at work considering public scoping comments to develop four draft Alternative Travel Network Systems for eight travel management areas, or sub-regions, established for planning purposes.  BLM is seeking additional public comment through Jan. 10, 2008, to ensure that staff has captured comprehensive data prior to devising a preferred Alternative Travel Network System for the Dry Creek area. 

“BLM is committed to keeping the communities, stakeholders and user groups engaged throughout this planning process,” said Barb Sharrow, Uncompahgre Field Manager.  “We need their input and support in developing a travel plan for the Dry Creek area that not only protects public land resources but one that everyone can live with.”

BLM specialists will be on hand to describe management objectives and answer questions about the range of draft Alternative Travel Network Systems developed for the Dry Creek area.  The 115,000-acre Dry Creek planning area is defined by the U.S. Forest Service boundary on the west, private land on the east, 25 Mesa Road (Delta-Nucla Road) on the north, and Dave Wood Road on the south.  Travel planning in this area addresses all modes of travel including motorized, mechanized, equestrian and hiking routes. 

Planning documents, as well as a summary of public scoping comments will be available for review at the meeting, as well as on-line at http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ufo.html.  The public may submit written comments on the range of draft Alternative Travel Network Systems at the meeting, or by mailing them to the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office, ATTN: Dry Creek Travel Management, 2465 S. Townsend Ave., Montrose, Colorado 81401; by fax to (970) 240-5368; or by e-mail to cotmpufo@blm.gov.  For further information or to have your name added to a mailing list, contact Outdoor Recreation Planner Julie Jackson, at (970) 240-5310, or send an e-mail to cotmpufo@blm.gov.

-BLM-

Editor’s Note: Map to DMEA Building available upon request.