GUNNISON, Colo. - The Bureau of Land Management Gunnison Field Office is seeking public comment on a preliminary environmental assessment and travel plan that includes 45 miles of roads and trails on BLM-managed land in San Juan County.
The preliminary environmental assessment analyzes five alternative management strategies considering 31 miles of new mountain bike trails, a change in use from singletrack mechanized to singletrack motorized on 1.5 miles of the Minnie Gulch trail, and an addition of approximately 12 miles of existing roads and trails for public use that were not designated in previous planning efforts. The alternatives consider the use of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, on mountain bike trails within the project area.
“Roads and trails on public lands are very important to the economy of Silverton and San Juan County," said Acting Gunnison Field Manager Suzanne Copping. “The preliminary EA supports local efforts for recreation while protecting sensitive areas and resources near Silverton."
The preliminary EA is available on BLM’s ePlanning site at https://go.usa.gov/xmMab or as hard copy at the Gunnison Field Office. Comments are most helpful if received by February 22 and can be submitted through the BLM ePlanning site or mailed to the Gunnison Field Office, Attn: Silverton TMP Comment, 210 West Spencer Ave, Gunnison, CO 81230.
The Gunnison Field Office will host an open house for the plan on Wednesday, February 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kendall Mountain Lodge, located at 1 Kendall Place in Silverton. The open house will begin with a brief presentation on the preliminary environmental assessment and travel plan followed by an opportunity for community members to ask questions about the plan.
In fiscal year 2018, recreation on land managed by the BLM in Colorado contributed about $652 million to the economy and supported more than 5,000 jobs.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or any other personal identifying information in your comments, please be aware that your entire comment, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While individuals may request BLM to withhold personal identifying information from public view, the BLM cannot guarantee it will be able to do so.
Edited Feb. 3 to add information on the Feb. 12 open house meeting.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
