For Immediate Release: March 8, 2007  
Contact: Mel Lloyd 970-244-3097
 

Notice of Intent initiated for BLM Travel Management Plan

MONTROSE, Colo.—The Bureau of Land Management Uncompahgre Field Office (UFO) has kicked off a travel planning effort to amend the Uncompahgre Basin and their portion of the San Juan/San Miguel Resource Management Plans.  A 45-day public scoping comment period is intended to provide information about the project and to gather input from the public in identifying issues and concerns to be considered during the environmental review process, which is anticipated to take about 18 months.  Travel Management is becoming an important tool to public land managers as more people make public lands their choice destination.

“The BLM will be working closely with interested publics throughout this planning process, with ample opportunities for everyone’s involvement,” Field Manager Barb Sharrow said.  “It’s important that we get the word out now that changes are necessary to protect resources that are seeing increased use.”

The UFO proposes to change the existing “Open” designation to “Limited to Existing” for motorized and mechanized use within the entire field office, excluding the North Delta OHV Open Area as well as designated open areas within the planning boundary of the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area.  Additionally, a transportation system of designated roads and trails is being proposed within the Dry Creek area, which is defined by the USDA Forest Service boundary on the west, private land on the east, 25 Mesa 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.  The entire planning area encompasses approximately 578,000 acres of BLM-administered public lands located in Delta, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Mesa, and Gunnison Counties.

“If we don’t act now, the places we enjoy recreating in could be negatively impacted for decades to come,” added Outdoor Recreation Planner Julie Stotler.  “The public counts on BLM to protect their public lands for the use of future generations.”

Three open houses are scheduled during the public scoping comment period:
Montrose—Hampton Inn, 3 p.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 27
Delta—Delta-Montrose Technical College (VoTech), 3 p.m.-8 p.m., Thursday, March 29
Naturita—Community Center, 3 p.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday, April 11

The public may also submit written comments to the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office, ATTN: Travel Management, 2465 S. Townsend Avenue, Montrose, Colorado 81401; by fax to (970) 240-5368; or by e-mail to cotmpufo@blm.gov.  Planning documents may be reviewed at the Uncompahgre Field Office or on-line at www.co.blm.gov/ubra.  For additional information, contact Outdoor Recreation Planner Julie Stotler at (970) 240-5310.

-BLM-

Editor’s Note: Map of subject areas available upon request.