For Immediate Release: July 24, 2007
Contact: Mel Lloyd BLM 970-244-3097

Local man cited for damage to public lands

Grand Junction, Colo.—Burt Skinner, of 138½ Mira Monte Road, recently completed 40 hours of community service for the BLM Grand Junction Field Office (GJFO) to mitigate resource damage sustained in the Bangs Canyon Area 1, better known as the Lunch Loop.  The area is known for its great hiking and mountain biking opportunities just minutes from downtown Grand Junction.   A member of the public initially reported seeing Skinner’s four-wheel-drive vehicle tearing up fencing, vegetation, hiking trails and single-track bicycle trails, near the Tabeguache Trail off Monument Road in an area closed to motorized use. 

Skinner was cited on March 13, 2007, for resource damage.  The damage assessment for resource rehabilitation was set at $1,950.  In April, Skinner agreed to complete community service with the BLM in U.S. District Court in Grand Junction.  With close monitoring by BLM, Skinner restored the area damaged by his off-road vehicle.

“The public needs to realize that they will be held responsible for their actions while recreating on public lands,” Recreation Program Manager Ken Straley said. “There is no tolerance for total disregard of the laws implemented to protect public lands that belong to all Americans.”

The BLM always asks that the public avoid routes that are muddy to protect resources from unnecessary damage and off-road travel.  Traveling off-route in areas closed to motorized use, or where travel is classified as limited to existing or designated routes, is illegal.  Those accessing remote public lands should pay attention to weather forecasts and check conditions before heading out.  Area roads, especially in the Book Cliffs, contain fragile desert soils that can quickly turn ugly with a passing storm.  Many access roads to our public lands follow the ridges of steep terrain, and significant moisture on these routes can create dangerous conditions.  Travelers need to use extreme caution and be prepared for self-rescue.

The BLM depends on and appreciates the eyes and ears of the public to watch for illegal or unsafe practices on public lands. A description of the vehicle and its driver, along with a license plate number, is important information.  Please report incidents you witness to the nearest field office.

-BLM-