BLM and partners seek comments on proposed Palisade Plunge Trail
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The “Palisade Plunge” is a proposed 30-mile single-track trail that would feature a unique, long distance descent for mountain bikes and other non-motorized recreation from the top of the Grand Mesa to the Town of Palisade. Today, the Bureau of Land Management’s Grand Junction Field Office, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Reclamation, released the environmental assessment on the proposed trail for public comment through April 13.
“Our local communities tell us the Palisade Plunge would be a strong economic driver in the Grand Valley,” said Katie Stevens, BLM Grand Junction Field Manager. “The trail’s design includes a long-distance, epic descent that challenges physical capabilities and tests technical mountain biking skills to provide a fun overall experience.”
Partners including the Town of Palisade, Mesa County, the City of Grand Junction, the Orchard Mesa Irrigation District and the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association collaborated with the BLM, USFS and BOR to design the Palisade Plunge.
It is also one of Governor John Hickenlooper’s “Colorado’s 16” initiatives to support trails and promote outdoor recreation in Colorado. Supporters of the project estimate that, if approved, the project could infuse $1.9 million annually into Palisade’s economy and $5 million annually into the broader Grand Valley economy.
“As a good neighbor, we value community perspectives and look forward to hearing your thoughts on this trail,” said Stevens.
Learn more about the project by attending the public meeting on Wednesday, Mar. 21, at the Palisade Community Center, 120 West 8th St., at 5 p.m.
Comments should be postmarked by Apr. 13, 2018, and may be submitted to the BLM Grand Junction Field Office, Attn: Palisade Plunge Trail, 2815 H Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81506 or via email toblm_co_gj_public_comments@blm.
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.