BLM seeks input on Cedar Mountain trails expansion near Craig
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CRAIG, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is in the initial planning stages of a trail expansion effort five miles north of Craig on Cedar Mountain and is looking for advice from local citizens and recreationalists on trail location, size, grade and design.
“The BLM strives to be a good neighbor in the communities we serve, and we welcome diverse views,” said BLM Little Snake Field Manager Bruce Sillitoe.
The 900-acre Cedar Mountain Special Recreation Management Area was designated in 2011 to provide non-motorized recreational activities close to Craig, including horseback riding, cross-country skiing, running and mountain biking.
It currently includes about 3.5 miles of trails, and many are steep or washed out in areas. The BLM and local partners hope to more than double the amount of trails on the mountain and create more user-friendly trails that would be less steep for mountain bikers and novice hikers. Cedar Mountain trails remain snow-free earlier and later in the year than popular destination areas such as Steamboat Springs and could provide new opportunities for local recreationists.
“Right now we have just started discussing the possibilities with local partners and want to make sure anyone who is interested has a chance to provide thoughts and ideas,” said Dario Archuleta, outdoor recreation planner for the Little Snake Field Office.
Once trail projects on Cedar Mountain are finished, the BLM will look into trail improvement projects in other areas within the Little Snake Field Office.
To provide advice during this initial, informal planning phase of the BLM’s Cedar Mountain trails expansion project, please contact Dario Archuleta at darchule@blm.gov or 970-826-5008.
Last year recreation on BLM Colorado-managed lands generated $590 million in economic output.
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.