BLM releases proposed Resource Management Plan amendment for Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
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GUNNISON, Colo. – Today, the Bureau of Land Management Gunnison Field Office released an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area Management Plan.
The EA analyzes a proposed Resource Management Plan Amendment to designate Hartman Rocks as a Special Recreation Management Area, close a 4,363-acre area to recreational target shooting, and limit winter travel with tracked vehicles to designated groomed trails. The EA also considers additional direction to guide management of recreation at Hartman Rocks.
“Increased visitor use at Hartman Rocks required the BLM to respond to safety concerns, issues with sensitive species and impacts to natural resources,” said Brian St. George, BLM Gunnison Field Manager. “Recreation users, partners and the public all have an interest in seeing positive changes to the management of Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. Public input has been important in forming this proposed decision.”
The proposed action allows for increased recreation use and resource protection through the designation of dispersed campsites, vault toilet construction, a trials riding area, a rock crawling area, an off-highway vehicle play area, groomed ski trails and much more.
To review the proposed RMP Amendment, EA and Finding of No Significant Impact, go to http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gfo.html. The protest period for this proposed RMP Amendment ends September 2, 2014. Guidance on the protest process is available on the website. The BLM will publish a Decision Record following resolution of any protests.
The popular Hartman Rocks receives heavy visitation from hikers, runners, mountain bikers, motorcycle and off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, dispersed target shooters, horseback riders, cross-country skiers, rock climbers, campers and many more. Prior to preparing the EA, the BLM consulted with recreation users, government agencies and organizations.
Learn more about the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area by contacting the BLM Gunnison Field Office at (970) 642-4940.
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.