BLM issues leasing notice to enhance recreation opportunities in Montrose County
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MONTROSE, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a notice today to lease approximately 44 acres of public land to Montrose County to develop the Shavano Gateway Recreation Area just west of Montrose.
The new area will improve recreation opportunities and experiences on the western slope and will be part of the popular 4x4 Rimrocker Trail that runs from Montrose, Colorado, to Moab, Utah. Improvements will include a staging area with an off-highway vehicle obstacle and training course, trailhead parking, restrooms, barbeques, cabanas and picnic sites. Twenty miles of single-track trails will be developed on public lands adjacent to the area which will accommodate large group events.
“This project enhances our community’s recreational opportunities on their public lands and supports our commitment to be a good neighbor,” said Greg Larson, Uncompahgre Field Office Manager. “We will continue to improve access to public lands while supporting social and economic development of the area.”
The BLM and Montrose County collaborated with the Western Slope 4 Wheelers, Back Country 4x4’s, Uncompahgre Valley Trail Riders, and the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Association to design the Shavano Gateway Recreation Area’s facilities. The improvements and facilities will support the Dry Creek Recreation Area trails, Rimrocker Trail and the new 20-mile single track trail system.
Ultimately, the BLM may convey this public land to Montrose County under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, which allows a land transfer following a successful lease period. Secretarial Order 3373 ensures land transactions aid in public access and recreation opportunities.
The notice is available for review online at https://go.usa.gov/xvSve open to public comments. Comments must be submitted by July 6, 2020. Please send written comments to the Bureau of Land Management, Attn: Jana Moe, 2465 S. Townsend Ave. Montrose, CO 81401, or submit electronically to Jana Moe at jpmoe@blm.gov.
In Fiscal Year 2018, recreation on BLM-managed lands in Colorado generated $618 million and supported more than 5,000 jobs.
Before including your address, phone number, email address or other personal identifying information in your comment, 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.
-BLM-
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.