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BLM seeks comments on new segment of Continental Divide National Scenic Trail in New Mexico

Organization

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

New Mexico State Office

Media Contact:

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management is opening a 30-day public comment period on its proposed acquisition of a right-of-way across state land for the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The right-of-way would authorize the trail on state land, provide recreational access to the public, and allow Federal funds to be allocated to administer, operate, and maintain the trail. The BLM has submitted a right-of-way application to the New Mexico State Land Office for a 10-foot-wide trail right-of-way over 74 easements through Hidalgo, Grant, Caton, Cibola, and Sandoval counties. The total mileage on state land is approximately 56.2 miles.

The public comment period, which extends June 3 – July 5, 2022, is intended to solicit public input on issues and impacts related to the right-of-way acquisition. The public can view project documents and submit public comments online via the project’s e-Planning page at https://go.usa.gov/xuQ72 through July 5, 2022.

In addition to the 30-day public comment period, the BLM invites the public to register and participate in an upcoming virtual public meeting on the proposed acquisition on June 15, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. To register for the virtual public meeting, contact Catherine Brewster at 505-954-2044, or cbrewster@blm.gov.

The BLM, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and the Continental Divide Trail Coalition are coordinating to relocate the trail to a location away from county roads and highways, which would increase trail user safety, and is expected to increase trail user enjoyment by enhancing the solitude of the trail. The right-of-way acquisition would permit the trail to be located on State Trust Land and contribute to the future relocation of current trail routes off road.

Comments will also be accepted by mail to: Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Office, Attn: Sarah Naranjo, 301 Dinosaur Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87508. 

For more information, please contact BLM New Mexico State Office Realty Specialist Sarah Naranjo at 505-954-2200 or snaranjo@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.