BLM starts public scoping period for Salida trail system additions
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CANON CITY, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management Royal Gorge Field Office is starting a public scoping period on a proposal to add new non-motorized trails to the Arkansas Hills and Methodist Mountain Trail Systems outside of Salida.
The BLM originally designated trails on both sides of Salida in the Arkansas River Travel Management Plan in 2006, which called for designating existing routes as well as constructing new routes. Since the 2006 decision, the 23-mile network has seen dramatic increases in use and popularity, leading to increased tourism spending as well as becoming a valuable asset of the community.
In conjunction with Salida Mountain Trails, a local trail management partner, the BLM proposes making modifications to both the Arkansas Hills and Methodist Mountain trail networks to better meet the desired goals of local residents and tourists. This includes constructing connections between trails, adding trails that contribute to the diversity of experiences and creating logical loops that are easy to navigate for visitors. The proposal also includes adding flexibility to the overall management of the trail system to more quickly and easily adapt to changes on lands adjoining the BLM parcels.
Specific details about the project, including a description of the proposed new trails and a map, are available from BLM at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/epl-front-office/projects/nepa/60924/99967/121091/DOI-BLM-CO-F020-2015-0017_EA.pdf
A scoping period gives the public a chance to tell the BLM what issues and concerns they think should be addressed in an EA and alternatives before the BLM begins drafting the document. This scoping period will run from Jan. 5, 2015 to Feb. 5, 2015. Comments concerning the proposed action, alternatives and identification of environmental issues are most helpful. For additional information or to submit a comment, please contact Kalem Lenard at 719-269-8538 or email comments to rgfo_comments@blm.gov.
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. Thank you for your interest in the management of your public lands within the Royal Gorge Field Office.
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.