BLM UFO Travel Management

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Colorado



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Uncompahgre Field Office

UNCOMPAHGRE FIELD OFFICE

Travel Management

Dry Creek Route Closure Sign

Travel and transportation routes play an integral part in virtually every activity that occurs on BLM-administered public lands within the UFO. Recreation, management of livestock, wildlife, and commodity resources, rights-of-way, access to private inholdings, and the day-to-day management, maintenance, and monitoring of the UFO all rely on effective travel management planning.

RIDGWAY COMPREHENSIVE

TRAVEL MANAGEMENT PLAN

NEPA 11-11

On May 10, 2013, the Uncompahgre Field Office released the Final Environmental Assessment and Decision Record for the Ridgway Comprehensive Travel Management Plan.

FINAL DOCUMENTS

Release Letter

Final Environmental Assessment

Decision Record

Finding of No Significant Impact

MAPS:


PLAN UPDATES
12/11/2012 BLM specialists completed work on a preliminary Environmental Assessment that analyzes four alternatives for an inter-connecting trail system on public lands managed by the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office and accepted public comments through February 1, 2013.
9/10/2012 BLM Uncompahgre Field Office specialists conducted route-by-route analysis and developed a range of alternatives (including a preferred alternative) to analyze in the Environmental Assessment (EA) in compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) guidelines. The specialists are now working on completing the Draft EA. Once complete, the BLM will release the draft for another 30-day comment period to allow the public to review and provide feedback. Once the public comment period closes, the BLM will incorporate the public input, and finalize and post the Final EA. If the Uncompahgre Field Manager determines that a Finding of No Significant Impact and Decision Record can be signed, then a 30-day public appeal period will follow. The NEPA process is anticipated to be completed by the end of the calendar year. User-Created Routes BLM Outdoor Recreation Planners recently discovered illegal user-created routes constructed in the area. New trail construction is only authorized after BLM officials have completed environmental analysis (in accordance with NEPA guidelines). Although this process takes time, it is vital to adhere to these regulations to ensure that resources on public lands are protected. On July 10, BLM staff, assisted by the Delta Correctional Crew, COPMOBA/Ridgway Area Trails (RAT) group, and other members of the public, rehabilitated the unauthorized user-created routes. In addition, the BLM spoke with the town of Ridgway, Ouray County, COPMOBA/RAT, and local businesses to elevate public awareness and gain support for compliance. All agreed to help the BLM spread the word and educate users about how detrimental unauthorized routes are to public resources and the planning process. For more information on travel management planning and the Ridgway project, contact BLM Recreation staff at (970)240-5300.


PRIOR DOCUMENTS

Preliminary Environmental Assessment
Preliminary Environmental Assessment 6.0MB Interested Parties Letter
First Public Comment Period Documents (Closed 5/18/2012)
Press Release Scoping Notice

NORWOOD-BURN CANYON TRAILS PROJECT

The comment period for this project closed September 21, 2012

NEPA 12-19

The UFO is analyzing route-by-route designations for roads and trails located on 9,852 acres of BLM land approximately three to four miles west of Norwood, CO. Norwood Parks and Recreation District, as well as citizens from the Town of Norwood and surrounding communities, have expressed interest in an inter-connecting trail system and increased recreational opportunities.

These parties have identified the need for a designated route system offering routes for both motorized and non-motorized trail users. The project is described in the documents below.

Help Preserve OHV Opportunities in the Elephant Skin Area! 3.8MB

CURRENT TRAVEL PLANS

Dry Creek Travel Management Plan

Gunnison Interim Travel Restrictions

Uncompahgre Field Office Travel Management Plan

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES

A VITAL LINK FOR MANY

Motorized travel in the UFO ranges from standard passenger vehicles driving on maintained roads to off-highway vehicles (OHVs) operating on primitive roads and trails. OHVs include off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, jeeps, specialized 4x4 trucks, and snowmobiles. Mountain bikes are the predominant mechanized vehicle, while other modes of travel include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, pack animal driving, hiking, boating, hang-gliding, paragliding, ballooning, and wheelchairs.

OHV Area Designations

The BLM designates areas within the UFO as open, limited to existing roads and trails, limited to designated roads and trails, and closed to motorized use. Approximately 54% of the planning area for the Uncompahgre Resource Management Plan is designated as open to motorized use, while 46% is limited to existing or designated roads and trails, or has additional restrictions such as seasonal closures.

Current Travel Picture

Within the Uncompahgre Field Office, factors influencing travel management planning include:

· Lack of comprehensive travel management planning that considers the relationships between various resources, authorized access, and recreation uses.

· Historic routes that predate planning for recreational opportunities.

· Unauthorized uses (including user-created routes) emanating from existing routes and causing impacts to other resources.

· Subdivision of private property resulting in the creation of new access points to public lands.

· Routes/areas that are open to motorized use, but are accessible only to adjacent landowners.

· Conflicts between recreational users.

Barbara Sharrow, Field Manager

bsharrow@blm.gov

2465 S. Townsend Ave, Montrose, CO 81401
Phone: (970) 240-5300 | TDD (970) 240-5366 | FAX (970) 240-5367
Office Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Click on the address above for a map showing the location of the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office administrative headquarters.