BLM seeks public input on consideration of e-bikes within Campbell Tract
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ANCHORAGE, Alaska— The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is preparing an environmental assessment for Campbell Tract, a 730-acre Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) in Anchorage, to consider amending the Ring of Fire Resource Management Plan allowing consideration of electric bikes (e-bikes) on existing trails within the SRMA.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the public to weigh in and provide input on how they would like to see our public lands managed, not just now, but into the future as well. We look forward to hearing what our visitors and recreators have to say,” said acting BLM Anchorage District Manager Nicole Hayes.
The BLM is holding a listening session on March 21, 2023, at the BLM Campbell Creek Science Center, located at 5600 Science Center Drive, Anchorage, Alaska, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to gather input from the public. A 30-day formal public comment period follows this date.
Campbell Tract sees nearly 500,000 visitors a year and has seen steady growth in visitors in the past 30 years. The Campbell Tract SRMA currently supports recreation activities such as walking, running, mountain and fat tire biking, orienteering, horseback riding, Nordic skiing, sled dog mushing, skijoring, nature study, and wildlife viewing. However, the Ring of Fire Resource Management Plan designated the recreation site as non-motorized, closing it to all motorized use on designated routes, including e-bikes.
The recreational opportunities and use on Campbell Tract and adjacent municipal park lands are seamlessly managed by the BLM and the Municipality of Anchorage. The Municipality of Anchorage currently allows Class I e-bikes on connecting trails. As visitation has grown, recreation technology has also advanced, warranting new consideration of motorized vehicle use or off-highway vehicle designation within the Campbell Tract.
Maps and other planning documents associated with the project can be found on the BLM National NEPA Register website on the Campbell Tract OHV amendment designation project page.
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.