BLM announces potential fee structure at Oh Be Joyful campground near Crested Butte
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GUNNISON, Colo. –The Oh Be Joyful Campground, which is nestled in the heart of some of Colorado’s most spectacular backcountry, is a popular recreation destination near Crested Butte, Colorado. The Bureau of Land Management Gunnison Field Office is proposing fees that would be used to enhance the visitor experience, protect the environment and ensure visitor safety at the campground.
“This summer, visitors have already seen improvements including more picnic tables and fire rings at Oh Be Joyful campsites,” said Elijah Waters, BLM Gunnison Field Manager. “The proposed fee structure would allow us to provide even more amenities while protecting the river and providing enhanced visitor safety.”
If approved, the fees could be used for improved signs and kiosks, bear boxes, additional portable toilets, fencing, restroom maintenance, stream bank erosion mitigation, and campground hosts. With more than 50,000 visitors using the campground annually, these services will help mitigate the negative impacts to natural resources and visitor experiences.
“The fees would improve overall management of the campground including increased facility maintenance as well as better protection of water quality, vegetation and other natural resources while creating a high-quality experience for visitors,” said Waters.
Prior to enacting the fee, the Recreation Resource Advisory Council, a subset of the Southwest Resource Advisory Council, reviewed and approved the proposal that includes fees at $10 per night for a designated site (a designated site has a numbered post, parking space, picnic table and fire pit), $5 per night for an overflow site (all other camping) or $30 per night for a proposed group campsite.
To review the business plan, go to http://www.blm.gov/colorado. Written comments regarding this project should be submitted to the Gunnison Field Office, 210 W. Spencer Avenue, Suite A, Gunnison, CO 81230 or via emailed to blm_co_gfo_nepa_comments@blm.gov with “Oh Be Joyful Fee Proposal” referenced in the subject line by Friday, Nov. 25.
For more information, contact Kristi Murphy, BLM Recreation Planner, at 970-642-4940 or kmurphy@blm.gov.
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.