Moab Field Office Releases Proposal for Mud Springs Trail System for Public Comment
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MOAB, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management Moab Field Office is releasing a draft environmental assessment for a 15-day public comment period covering the Mud Springs Trail System. The proposal includes 9.75-mile hand- and machine-built trail system located ¾ of a mile east of Highway 191, 12 miles south of Moab, along B Road 129 (Yellow Circle Road, 38.43003, -109.42161) with the proposed trail system located within the hills immediately to the east. The 2008 BLM Moab Field Office Resource Management Plan identified this area as the Upper Spanish Valley Mountain Bike Focus Area and calls for development of a beginner to intermediate skill level mountain bike trail system.
“The Mud Springs Trail System builds upon Moab’s history of developing innovative and well-maintained biking trails,” said Moab Assistant Field Manager for Recreation Jennifer Jones. “Collecting feedback will help us ensure that this trail system meets the diverse needs of recreationists, complements the landscape and includes input from our local communities.”
The Mud Springs Trail System would consist of 9.75 miles of stacked-loop biking trails, 7.2 acres of trailhead area and associated parking and designated campsites. The trails themselves would be built with inclusivity in mind; all trails would be designed and constructed to provide opportunities for adaptive cycles and would allow the use of Class 1 electric bicycles.
The Mud Springs Trail System would provide a suitable venue for large, permitted events while also providing opportunities for residents and visitors to the area. The BLM is partnering with San Juan County and Grand County Active Transportation and Trails (through an interlocal agreement) on the proposed project, which is the first phase of a larger project that would include future analysis of an additional approximate 15 miles of trails.
Written comments will be accepted by letter or email until Nov. 21, 2023. 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 “Mud Springs Trail System Draft Environmental Analysis” when submitting comments.
Written comments may be mailed, emailed, or submitted through ePlanning.
Mail: 82 Dogwood Avenue, Moab UT 84532
Email: blm_ut_mb_mail@blm.gov
ePlanning: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2024981/510
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.