Travel Management Planning Q&As

What is the purpose of the current data collection period?  The BLM is seeking public comments to help evaluate the quantity and quality of the experiences available in the Grand Junction Field Office.  Public input through scoping and data collection measures on the travel network design will be considered, and if possible, incorporated in the route designation process.

What is Comprehensive Travel Management Planning?  Comprehensive Travel Management is the process of planning for, managing access and transportation systems on public land. The Grand Junction Field Office will be using a holistic approach that provides clear direction for access and recreation opportunities while protecting sensitive resource areas and meeting resource management objectives.
 
What is Colorado BLM’s Off-Highway Vehicle Policy? Both Executive Order 11644 and the Code of Federal Regulations (43 CFR Part 8340) require BLM to designate all public lands as open, closed or limited for OHV use.  It is now Colorado BLM policy (CO-IM-2007-20) to restrict all OHV use within limited areas to designated routes.  So instead of designating areas as limited to existing routes, the field offices will be tasked with identifying specific route designations along with the accompanying types of travel (foot, horse, bike, motorized) as part of the resource management plan (RMP) revisions. 

There will be no motorized cross-country travel except in areas designated as “open”. Open areas will be limited to a size that can be realistically managed and geographically identifiable but large enough in size to offer a high quality motorized riding/driving opportunity for participants.

How will comprehensive travel planning be completed in conjunction with the RMP revisions?  Travel route designations will accompany each RMP planning alternative in the environmental impact statement (EIS).   The BLM will: 1) develop appropriate travel route proposals to meet the themes of each alternative consistent with other resource program goals and objectives and 2) analyze the impacts of designating these travel systems.  

What will the BLM do with the public’s input and comments? The BLM will use the remainder of the summer to ground truth any travel route inconsistencies that have arisen from the spring workshops.  Public input through scoping and data collection measures on the travel network design will be considered, and if possible, incorporated in the route designation process.

When will the public get to comment on the travel system alternatives? Information gathered during the comment periods will be used by the BLM to draft management alternatives for the RMP. The Draft RMP will be available for at least a 90-day public comment period when it is released early 2010.