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MOAB, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Moab Field Office has released the Mineral and Hell Roaring Canyons Environmental Assessment for 30-day public comment. The BLM is requesting input from the public on a proposal that would limit roped and aerial activities to protect wildlife habitat, in and along the rims of Mineral and Hell Roaring canyons, as well as along the Green River corridor connecting the two canyons. Following any decision to limit roped and aerial activities, the BLM would issue supplementary rules in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.   

With the release of the EA, the BLM is prioritizing access outside of the proposed areas to protect critical wildlife habitat. If implemented, the proposal may seasonally limit specific areas, but thousands of climbs and other outstanding recreational opportunities will remain open.  

“We appreciate the public input we received during scoping. Public scoping comments helped us develop the environmental assessment,” said Moab Field Manager Nicollee Gaddis-Wyatt. “We strive to maximize opportunities for recreation, while also balancing our responsibilities to manage wildlife habitat for sensitive species and we welcome public comments on the EA.” 

The approximately 10,044-acre area identified for potential restrictions provides habitat for golden eagles, Mexican spotted owl, desert bighorn sheep, and other wildlife. As a result of public input received during the scoping period, the BLM has excluded Corner Tower, the Waterslide, and the Green River Bowl from the area of proposed restrictions. The Moab Field Office had previously exempted Mineral Bottom base-jumping Focus Area, the Mineral Bottom Airstrip, and the Fruit Bowl when developing the environmental assessment.  

Roped activities include those involving ropes, cables, climbing aids, webbing, or anchors. Activities affected by the proposal include: ziplining, high-lining, slacklining, climbing, rappelling, and rope swinging. Aerial activities include those that either start or conclude on BLM-managed lands, such as base-jumping, vaulting, parachuting, skydiving and aerial delivery. Other recreational activities would still be allowed in the area. 

Written comments may be mailed, emailed, or submitted through ePlanning. Written comments will be accepted by letter or email until September 21, 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 “Mineral/Hell Roaring” when submitting comments. 

• Mail: BLM, Moab Field Office, 82 E. Dogwood Avenue, Moab, UT 84532 Attn: Mineral/Hell Roaring  
• Email: kstevens@blm.gov or priddle@blm.gov 
• ePlanning: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/1504945/510 

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. 

Mineral-Hell Roaring Flickr site