NEPA decision designates Fivemile Pass as Special Area
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WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Salt Lake Field Office has designated 17,927 acres of public lands in Fivemile Pass, located in Utah and Tooele Counties, as a special area that will allow for recreation developments and improvements, and a potential future permit and fee system. Fivemile Pass serves 65,000 visitors annually who enjoy OHVing, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, and hiking.
“Fivemile Pass has seen a steady increase in visitation, with 120,000 visitors in 2020 alone,” said BLM Salt Lake Field Manager Jessica Wade. “In order for this area to support high levels of visitation, future developments are needed to improve visitor safety, enhance user experience, and ensure environmental protections are in place.”
“We are excited to provide the framework for future and expanded recreation opportunities for visitors to Fivemile Pass,” said BLM West Desert District Manager Mike Gates. “The West Desert is becoming increasingly popular as visitors from the Wasatch Front discover BLM lands closer to home. We strive to balance the need for more recreation opportunities with protections to the landscape, as well as natural and cultural resources.”
The project authorizes future improvements, which may include a youth OHV riding area, group campsites, equestrian trailhead/campground, public access routes/trails, additional OHV staging areas, additional restrooms, potable water, road improvements, trail signage, and site-host campsites. A permit and fee system might also be implemented, dependent upon future completion of the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area Business Plan and publishing of a Federal Register Notice.
To read the Environmental Analysis, Decision Record, and Finding of No Significant Impact, visit: https://bit.ly/34EQ1bM.
For additional information, please contact Todd Marks, Assistant Field Manager, at 801-977-4300. 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.