For Immediate Release Mel Lloyd BLM 970-244-3097
March 7, 2008 

BLM Uncompahgre releases travel maps for public review

MONTROSE, Colo. — The Bureau of Land Management Uncompahgre Field Office (UFO) is proposing to amend the Uncompahgre Basin and San Juan/San Miguel Resource Management Plan, in order to change designations from “open” to “limited to existing” travel for motorized use within the entire Field Office. This proposal is in line with policy recently implemented by the BLM Colorado State Office. A 60-day public comment period opens on Monday, March 10. The public is invited to review maps showing existing routes, and submit written comments and altered maps to assist BLM in identifying routes that may have been missed, as well as issues and concerns to be considered during the environmental review process. The area for this travel planning initiative encompasses approximately 463,000 acres of BLM-administered public lands located in Delta, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Mesa, and Gunnison counties.

“I’ve been very pleased with the amount of public involvement BLM has seen so far,” said Field Manager Barb Sharrow.  “We want to keep the public engaged at every step of the way to assist BLM in developing a more effective travel plan.”

Areas excluded from this proposal include the North Delta OHV Open Area, the area guided by the Gunnison Travel Interim Restrictions Plan Amendment, and other designations such as “Limited to Existing” and “Limited to Designated” areas. All of these areas will be addressed in subsequent travel management planning. Travel decisions in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, for which an RMP was signed in 2004, will not be affected.

A transportation system of designated roads and trails is being proposed through a separate Environmental Assessment for the 115,000-acre 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 UFO will accept public comments on the maps through Thursday, May 8, 2008. The public may submit written comments, including map mark-ups, by mail 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. Project maps and an informational briefing may be reviewed at the Norwood USDA Forest Service office; the Naturita, Ridgway and Delta Public Libraries; as well as the Montrose Public Lands Center located at 2505 S. Townsend Ave. Materials, including maps, are also available on-line at www.blm.gov/co (select Uncompahgre on interactive map).  For further information or to have your name added to a mailing list, send an e-mail to cotmpufo@blm.gov, or contact Outdoor Recreation Planner Julie Jackson, at (970) 240-5310. 

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