BLM PUBLIC LANDS
Multiple-Use
The public lands are not dedicated only to recreation, rather their historical value involved mostly commodity production – products like livestock grazing, mineral production, and utility rights-of-way. National legislation directs the BLM to manage these lands for multiple uses. These are not parklands, but many areas instead provide the chance to experience a working ranch, get a glimpse of the Old West, or watch industry at work. You may encounter a variety of agricultural or industrial traffic, as well as other visitors.
Open Space
Yet, plenty of open space is available for those looking to find it. The undeveloped character of these recreation settings gives users the opportunity to reconnect with the country’s rural roots and get away from the intensive recreation “rat race.” BLM has recreation areas focused on both motorized and non-motorized recreation, as well as the opportunity to have a quiet, backcountry experience. Avoiding development that would compromise its capacity for distinctive kinds of recreation experiences and benefits is one of BLM’s priorities. National Geographic called this “The Big Open that’s hard to get to but easy to get lost in.”
Community Dependent
The BLM is known as a land and resource management agency. But rapid population growth in the Rocky Mountain and Intermountain West has changed all of that, and nowhere more than here in Colorado. Given how close public lands are to rural communities makes them nice places to live and work, as well as visit. These close-to-home recreation opportunities are a magnet for business relocations, second homes, and retirees. The interdependence of communities and the public lands enriches lifestyles, helps local economies, and sustains each community’s distinctive character.
Recreation Strategy
Recreation Strategy: BLM Colorado has recently completed a strategy to help balance recreation uses and land health standards statewide.
The Bureau’s vision is “to enhance the quality of life for all citizens through the balanced stewardship of America’s public lands and resources.” BLM manages diverse lands and programs of which recreation has developed into a major use of public lands, comparable to range, minerals, and realty. This strategy, while focusing on recreation, must be viewed as only one aspect of many composing the BLM’s multiple-use mission. Recreation is not necessarily appropriate on all lands that BLM manages. However, the program is an expanding endeavor, is important to Colorado residents and visitors, and we need to approach it strategically.
To view the BLM Colorado Recreation Strategy, click here .
Travel Management
In the early 1980s, in response to Presidential Executive Orders 11644 and 11989, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) began designating all public lands in one of three Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) designation categories. On a national level and in response to increasing demand for trails recreation on the public lands, BLM developed first an OHV Strategy and then a Mountain Bike Strategy. A Non-Motorized/Non-Mechanized Strategy is planned. These strategies emphasize that the BLM should be proactive in seeking travel management solutions that conserve natural resources while providing for ample recreation opportunities.
To learn more about Travel Management, click here.
Different but Diverse
Public lands recreation experiences are unlike those provided by other agencies. Organizationally, the BLM has a smaller staff than other land managing agencies, with more land to cover. BLM focuses on dispersed recreation, which means that recreation sites are developed only as needed to spread out the use of and impact on the public lands and to ensure sites are available for current and future generations.
What Information Can I Find ?
The following map will allow you to select recreation pages by geographic area of Colorado. Enter the site using either the Area Map or the Activity dropdown menus above. The Activity page leads you to your favorite recreation pastime with links to camping, hiking, biking and many others. Using the Areas Map, Colorado is divided into recreation areas managed by field offices.
Programs
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