Lyons and Catamount construction – recreation sites to be closed up to four weeks
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SILT, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management plans to improve two recreation sites along the Upper Colorado River. Construction at Lyons Gulch and Catamount recreation sites will limit public access for up to four weeks beginning September 28.
At Lyons Gulch, a new concrete boat ramp will be constructed, and brush will be removed. These improvements will improve access and reduce site congestion. The BLM will keep a few campsites open along the south side of the recreation site to limit impacts to public recreation, however the boat launch/take-out will be closed. Boaters should plan to use Horse Creek, Cottonwood Island, and/or Dotsero Landing recreation sites instead.
The Catamount campground and parking area will be enlarged to serve increasing public use along the river. As a result, camping, parking, and the boat ramp will be closed during construction. Day floats from Two Bridges to Catamount will not be possible, so visitors should either plan to float upstream, taking out at Two Bridges, or put in below Burns at Pinball boat ramp. The float from Two Bridges to Pinball is 20 river miles - a longer trip than the average day float.
“The Upper Colorado River is one of our defining natural features as well as a popular summertime visitor attraction,” said Colorado River Valley Field Manager Larry Sandoval. “Consistent with recent land acquisitions to expand public river access, these upgrades will improve and increase opportunities for recreation, helping us to better meet demand.”
Signs will be posted in the project areas, and construction will wrap up as quickly as possible.
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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.