BLM implements recreation decisions for Tres Rios and Gunnison field office public lands

MONTROSE, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management has finalized a supplementary rule implementing decisions pertaining to motorized and non-motorized travel, day-use areas, camping, and seasonal wildlife habitat in the Tres Rios Field Office and the Silverton area of the Gunnison Field Office. The rule applies to BLM-managed public lands in Archuleta, Dolores, Gunnison, Hinsdale, La Plata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Juan, and San Miguel counties, excluding public lands within Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

Growing visitation to public lands in Southwest Colorado has increased pressure on critical winter wildlife habitat, recreation destinations, archaeological sites, and other resources. Establishment of the rule will enable the BLM to implement and make enforceable regulatory decisions in the 2015 Tres Rios Field Office Resource Management Plan, as well as the 1990 Dolores River Corridor Management Plan, the 2010 Alpine Triangle Recreation Area Management Plan, the 2020 Tres Rios Field Office Transportation and Access Plan for Travel Area 1, and the 2020 Silverton Travel Management Plan. These measures respond to growing visitation by restricting certain activities and defining allowable uses in special management areas to provide for visitor health and safety, protect wildlife, and prevent degradation of natural and cultural resources.

“The BLM worked closely with the local communities to develop plans with a shared vision for managing a wide range of public land resources and resource uses,” said BLM Southwest District Manager Stephanie McCormick. “This supplementary rule implements decisions that support the unique quality of life enjoyed by our Southwest Colorado communities.”

A Notice of Final Supplementary Rule will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register. For more information or for questions about the rule, please contact BLM Supervisory Staff Ranger Tyler Fouss at 970-882-1120.