BLM posts National Historic Trails monitoring report
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LANDER, Wyo. – The Bureau of Land Management Lander Field Office announced today that the National Historic Trails annual monitoring report is now available online at https://go.usa.gov/xEdfQ. This report reflects the work that the BLM and volunteers perform together in the spirit of shared conservation stewardship to monitor the trails for physical impacts, recreation opportunities and special recreation permit (SRP) compliance. These efforts help the BLM ensure that uses in the area do not impact the historic resource and setting.
The BLM’s monitoring efforts are guided by the June 2016 Renewal of a Special Recreation Permit Decision Record for the trails. If conditions exceed the monitoring thresholds set forth in the decision, a change in management is necessary.
Last year’s monitoring and evaluation focused on the Rocky Ridge section of the trails, located between Sweetwater Station and Atlantic City. The BLM identified a need to address trail widening from motorized vehicle use.
“Because the BLM does not permit SRP holders to drive on the trail, it is likely that impacts are the result of casual use,” said BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner Jared Oakleaf. “The BLM will respond by improving on-site visitor information to encourage low-impact vehicle practices."
The BLM thanks the members of the Alliance for Historic Wyoming, Oregon-California Trail Association and Corporation of the Presiding Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their assistance with the effort.
"The amount of volunteer support of our monitoring program is impressive,” said BLM Outdoor Recreation Technician Mike Coyne. “Our partners make this job interesting and enjoyable."
The monitoring report, as well as the decision record and all documentation associated with the renewal of the handcart trekking SRP, are available at https://go.usa.gov/xEdfQ.
The BLM provides ride-along opportunities to interested members of the public during their ongoing monitoring efforts. For more information, please contact Coyne at 307-332-8400.
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.