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Q's and A's

What is a travel management plan (TMP)?

A TMP is a comprehensive approach to travel and transportation planning for a wide variety of uses (including uses for recreational, traditional, authorized, commercial, educational, and other purposes).  This also includes all forms of motorized and non-motorized access or use, such as foot, pack stock or animal-assisted travel, mountain bike, off-highway vehicle, and other forms of transportation. More Information.

What is the project area boundary?

The area that is the focus of this travel management plan is bounded on the west by Chimney Creek and on the east by Craters of the Moon/Fish Creek. This amounts to approximately 239,000 acres of BLM-managed public lands and approximately 660 miles of roads and trails, which are administered by the BLM Shoshone Field Office (Twin Falls District).

Why is BLM doing the North Highway 20 Travel Plan?

The current BLM Sun Valley Management Framework Plan designated the majority of the planning area as “open” to off-highway vehicles (OHVs). An "open" designation means that OHVs can travel cross-country.  During this travel management planning process, BLM will evaluate the North Highway 20 “open” designations and consider changing them to “limited to designated routes." This would result in all motorized vehicles being limited to designated roads and trails. Some areas may also be considered for “closed” OHV designation.  The travel plan will designate routes and types of use, parking areas/trailheads and future trail construction corridors on public land to facilitate travel through public lands. This allows the BLM to provide trail-based recreation opportunities.

Why does the BLM need to manage access?

The goal of the TMP is providing reasonable and varied transportation access to and through public lands for a variety of motorized and non-motorized activities while protecting natural and cultural resources from degradation and loss. The TMP will be a single comprehensive transportation plan for the area.

What access is allowed in Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs)?

Cross-country travel by off-highway vehicle (OHV) is not allowed in WSAs. WSAs are available for a variety of other recreation activities, such as hiking and hunting (in accordance with state hunting regulations). Consult the BLM brochure "Experiencing Your Wilderness Study Areas" to learn more about how the BLM manages various activities in WSAs.

How can I be involved in and comment on this process?

The BLM will hold public meetings throughout the planning process and will make updated information fully available on the project website. Maps will be available for review and comment, either by email or surface mail.

What about roads that are used to access BLM land that pass through private property?

As seen on the maps, the majority of roads used to access BLM lands pass through private property. Many of these roads that pass through private property have no easements, travel along these roads is at the grace of the private landowner. Just because the road has been used for several decades and is regularly used by the public does not guarantee public access. This travel plan will help the BLM and other agencies, such as cities or counties, identify road segments where easements are necessary to formally ensure access to public lands.