BLM seeks public comments on changes to Rainbow Trail near Coaldale, CO
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CAÑON CITY, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management Royal Gorge Field Office is considering a proposal to reroute a severely damaged section of the single-track, motorized use Rainbow Trail near Coaldale, from the adjacent San Isabel National Forest to BLM-managed land. The trail was damaged in flooding that occurred after the 2016 Hayden Pass fire.
“We welcome and depend on comments from the public to help us find the best possible route to keep this popular trail open and accessible to the public while considering the needs of local residents,” said Royal Gorge Field Manager Keith Berger.
The proposed changes to the Rainbow Trail would reopen one of the access points, route approximately 3.5 miles of the trail through BLM land, and build a trailer-friendly turnaround with space for parking. The draft environmental assessment (EA) analyzes the effect of the proposed action on the community as well as on wildlife in the area.
Comments on the EA may be submitted on the BLM’s ePlanning website at https://go.usa.gov/xGVwS. Comments will be most helpful if submitted by Oct. 25, 2020. The BLM will consider public comments in its final decision on the EA.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or any other personal identifying information in your comments, please be aware that your entire comment, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While individuals may request BLM to withhold personal identifying information from public view, the BLM cannot guarantee it will be able to do so.
In fiscal year 2018, recreation on land managed by the BLM in Colorado contributed about $652 million to the economy and supported more than 5,000 jobs.
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.