BLM accepting comments on environmental assessment approving new Colorado River commercial permits
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KREMMLING, Colo. — The Bureau of Land Management’s Kremmling Field Office is seeking public comment on an environmental assessment of five new commercial special recreation permits or permit modifications along the Colorado River in Grand and Eagle counties.
Under the proposed action, BLM will issue two new permits for float boating and three modifications to existing permits for shuttling.
“Commercial outfitters play a critical role in providing quality recreational opportunities on the Colorado River,” said Stephanie Odell, BLM Kremmling field manager. “Many visitors to this area find the equipment and experience they need from commercial outfitters. And all boaters can take advantage of commercial shuttle services.”
Nearly half of the more than 60,000 visitors who annually float the Colorado River between Pumphouse and State Bridge use the services of commercial outfitters, for instance, generating an economic impact that exceeds $10 million.
Currently 61 operators hold 71 permits for this area – 40 for float boating, 30 for fishing, and one for a shuttle service.
Under the proposed action, BLM would issue two new permits for commercial float boating to SportAid International and East Grand School District, one permit for equipment rental and shuttling equipment to Arkansas Valley Adventures, one permit for shuttling guests and rental equipment to Gore Range Expeditions, and one permit for shuttling vehicles to Adventure in Whitewater.
The environmental assessment is available for review at http://on.doi.gov/1AwqYEV. Comments on the environmental assessment will be most helpful if received by June 29, 2015 and can be sent to svalente@blm.gov or mailed to: Kremmling Field Office, PO Box 68, 2103 E. Park Ave, Kremmling, CO 80459.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.