For Immediate Release   Steven Hall  BLM 303-239-3672
   Denise Adamic BLM 303-239-3671
December 10, 2008 

BLM Uncompahgre provides 30-day additional comment period on travel planning for Dry Creek Area

MONTROSE, Colo. — The Bureau of Land Management Uncompahgre Field Office has scheduled another 30-day public comment period to provide an additional opportunity to review the travel management plan preferred alternative for the Dry Creek area. The new travel plan will create designated routes within the 115,000-acre Dry Creek planning area.

“With increased use on public lands, this type of planning is necessary to maintain and improve  recreational opportunities while protecting other natural resources, like wildlife habitat” said Barb Sharrow, Uncompahgre Field Manager. “BLM is committed to keeping the communities, stakeholders and user groups engaged throughout this planning process.” 

The UFO initiated a travel planning process last spring and considered public comments to develop a range of alternatives and a preferred alternative for seven travel management areas, or sub-regions, established for planning purposes.  BLM is seeking additional public comment through Jan. 14, 2009, to ensure public input and review of the preferred alternative. 

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 will be available for review at the Montrose Public Lands Center, 2505 S. Townsend Ave., Montrose, CO as well as on-line at www.co.blm.gov/ubra.  The public may submit written comments on the Dry Creek Travel Management Plan 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 request an electronic or hard copy of the plan, contact the Montrose Public Lands Center front desk at (970) 240-5300; Julie Jackson, Outdoor Recreation Planner, at (970) 240-5310; or send an e-mail to cotmpufo@blm.gov.

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