The Bureau of Land Management seeks public comment on proposed Bluff River Trail to increase recreation opportunities
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BLUFF, Utah — Today, the Bureau of Land Management Monticello Field Office released the Bluff River Trail Environmental Assessment for 30-day public comment. The BLM is requesting input from the public on a proposal by the Bluff City Historic Preservation Association, in partnership with the Grand Canyon Trust, the BLM Monticello Field Office, and local property owners, to construct and maintain 6.7 miles of trails on BLM-managed lands, as part of a greater 10.6 mile Bluff River Trail system. This community-initiated proposal would facilitate public access to the San Juan River and increase recreational opportunities for area residents and visitors to the Bluff and Sand Island Recreation Area.
The non-motorized trail system would be developed for pedestrian, bicycle (including e-bikes), and equestrian use on BLM-managed lands and 3.9 miles of existing private land easements along the San Juan River between Sand Island Recreation Area and the town of Bluff, Utah. The proposal includes development of an approximately one-acre trailhead along the entry road to Sand Island Recreation Area and a 0.9-mile Americans with Disabilities Act accessible trail segment, which would be accessible from an existing parking area in Loop A of the Sand Island campground.
“We are looking to enhance the overall recreation experience in the area,” said Acting Monticello Field Manager Amber Denton Johnson. “If implemented, this proposal would provide another opportunity for our community to get outdoors and enjoy their public lands. Local input is indispensable as we work towards making a decision on this proposal.”
Written comments may be mailed or submitted through ePlanning. Comments will be accepted until October 18, 2020. Please note that the most useful comments are specific and contain new technical or scientific information relevant to the proposed action. Comments which contain only opinions or preferences will not receive a formal response but may be considered in the BLM decision-making process. Please reference “Bluff River Trail” when submitting comments.
Mail: BLM, Monticello Field Office, PO Box 7, Monticello, UT 84535 Attn: Bluff River Trail
ePlanning: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/68197/510
Before including an address, phone number, email address, or other personally identifiable information in any comments, be aware that the entire comment—including personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. Requests to withhold personal identifying information from public review can be submitted, but the BLM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so.
Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or question for the above individual. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.
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.