BLM seeks input on fifth Owyhee County travel management plan to reduce user conflicts and protect natural resources
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BOISE, Idaho—The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Boise District seeks input on the Grand View Travel Management Plan Environmental Assessment during a 30-day public comment period through March 29, 2024. The proposed plan designates motorized access routes through northeast Owyhee County in southwestern Idaho, ensuring public access to 251,000 acres of BLM-managed lands while managing resources responsibly.
Specifically, the Grand View Travel Management Plan designates 312 to 771 miles as open to the public for off-highway vehicles (OHV) and 209 to 363 as open to all motorized vehicles. Between 551 to 894 miles are proposed to close as many of these routes are unnecessary due to the large number of parallel roads leading to the same areas. The proposed alternative routes safeguard access, including for competitive motorized use, while preventing further resource damage and providing an opportunity to improve natural resources.
“The Grand View area is experiencing increased demand for outdoor recreation,” said BLM Bruneau Field Manager Aaron Rasmussen. “It’s important for BLM to conduct comprehensive planning to enable a variety of BLM-managed public land uses, while conserving the outdoor environment for future generations to enjoy.”
The BLM is required by Congress to manage public lands for a variety of uses such as livestock grazing, recreation, and mining, while ensuring natural, cultural, and historic resources are maintained for present and future use. A Travel Management Plan includes an analysis process to designate routes that ensure public land access for these varied uses, while also providing areas with motorized and non-motorized recreation activities, preventing soil and vegetation damage resulting from the proliferation of routes, and reducing conflicts between various recreation users.
Public comments on these proposed designated routes will be received through April 1, 2024, and can be submitted via the National NEPA Register.
The BLM has divided Owyhee County into five segments to analyze for travel management planning.
Grand View is the fifth and final plan to be reviewed. The goal is to complete all plans by spring 2024. For additional information, please contact Aaron Rasmussen at 208-384-3300.
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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.