BLM seeks public comments on proposed gravel pit expansion near Durango
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DURANGO, Colo. – As part of its commitment to support working landscapes across the West, the Bureau of Land Management’s Tres Rios Field Office is seeking public comments on its environmental assessment for C&J Gravel’s proposal to expand the Montoya Gravel Pit in the Grandview area near Durango.
Part of the proposal entails re-routing portions of existing mountain bike trails in the Sale Barn area.
“Throughout the planning process, C&J Gravel actively partnered with the BLM and local trail users to identify re-route options to ensure their operation can continue to coexist with recreation in the area,” said Connie Clementson, Tres Rios Field Manager. “They are good neighbors to the community, and we appreciate their efforts to work with us and local trail users to identify re-routes.”
The group will also work to redesign a trail in the reclaimed portion of the existing gravel pit, so operations, trail construction and recreational activities can occur concurrently. This “skills” trail would be constructed to take advantage of topographical features such as side slopes and hills to provide a variety of challenges for bicyclists including beginners.
The gravel pit first began operating on private property, and in 1991 expanded onto BLM-managed lands in response to growing local and regional demand. Gravel mined from the Montoya site is used locally to improve roads and to provide decorative rock for homeowners.
If approved, the expansion would expand the mine’s life by 19 years and could contribute $4.8 million to the economy including $745,000 in lease revenues and taxes benefiting La Plata County and the State of Colorado. C&J Gravel employs up to 17 people locally.
The environmental assessment and maps are available at https://go.usa.gov/xnXhp.
The BLM will also host an open house Monday, Dec. 18, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Durango Public Library, 1900 E. 3rdAve. Staff will be available to answer questions about the proposed pit expansion and the trail re-routes.
Comments can be submitted online at https://go.usa.gov/xnXhu, by email to blm_co_montoya_pit_expansion@
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should 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.