BLM Proposes Recreation Improvements at the Headwaters Forest Reserve
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ARCATA, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments on proposed development of a new hiking trail and parking area improvements near the Elk River Trail in the Headwaters Forest Reserve near Eureka.
The BLM Arcata Field Office is proposing a new, seasonally-available, one-and-a-half-mile hiking trail along the south side of the South Fork Elk River. The new trail would parallel and connect with the existing Elk River Trail, providing new loop hiking and trail running opportunities. It would include interpretive signs. The new trail would be closed to dogs and bicycles, but the main Elk River Trail would remain open to those uses.
Parking lot modifications would include addition of parking spaces and changes to reduce congestion.
“The Elk River Trail is an increasingly popular destination for hikers, bicyclists, dog walkers, trail runners and wildlife enthusiasts” said Ben Blom, the BLM’s headwaters manager. “We’re looking to accommodate this increased use by providing additional parking and a new seasonal trail for those who want to avoid dogs and bicycles.”
An environmental assessment detailing the project is available at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/68654/510 .
Comments can be mailed to the Bureau of Land Management, 1695 Heindon Rd., Arcata, CA, 95521, attention: Headwaters Forest Reserve. Comments can be sent by email to headwaters@blm.gov or sent by fax to (707) 825-2301.
The Headwaters Forest Reserve is co-managed by the BLM and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The Reserve is 7,472 acres of public land six miles southeast of Eureka. It is set aside to protect and preserve ecological and wildlife values, particularly the stands of old-growth redwood that provide habitat for the threatened marbled murrelet (a seabird), and stream systems that provide habitat for threatened coho salmon.
For additional information, contact Blom at (707) 825-2300 or by email at bblom@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.