BLM seeks public comment on proposed permit changes
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. –The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a proposal to extend the timeframe for seasonal camping fees in the popular Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River.
While permits are always required for camping in this area, camping fees are required from May 1 – Sept. 30. The BLM is proposing to update its Ruby-Horsethief business plan by expanding fee collection for camping to April and October each year to account for growing user impacts on limited camping sites. Fee amounts would remain the same:
• $20 per night for a group of 1 – 5
• $50 per night for a group of 6 – 15
• $100 per night for a group of 16 – 25
“The public has really helped us make good decisions over our years of managing fees and permits on Ruby,” said Grand Junction Field Manager Katie Stevens. “We are committed to providing quality recreation opportunities and we’re interested in hearing what people think.”
The proposed plan update can be found online at https://go.usa.gov/xn52c.
In 2017, the Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River received over 23,000 visitor days. Approximately $104,000 in camping fees were collected – used to fund a seasonal river ranger, improve and clean campsites and conduct restoration projects. These fees will be used for future improvements at the Westwater Boat Launch.
Comments are most helpful if received by Jan. 2, 2018. Written comments and questions should be directed to the Bureau of Land Management, Attn: Andy Windsor, 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506 or submitted electronically to blm_co_gj_ruby_horse_thief@
Recreation on BLM Colorado-managed public lands generated $591 million and supported 4,827 jobs in Fiscal Year 2016.
Before including your address, phone number, email address or other personal identifying information in your comment, be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
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.