BLM proposes new recreation fees for the Uncompahgre Field Office
MONTROSE, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public comments on proposed recreation fees for developed campgrounds and day use sites within the Uncompahgre Field Office in Delta, Gunnison, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel counties, Colorado.
The BLM is proposing to assess an expanded amenity fee of $12 per campsite per night at five existing campgrounds (Lower Beaver, Caddis Flats, Fall Creek, Ledges Cottonwood, and Ledges Rockhouse) and three proposed campgrounds (Electric Hills Rim, Nucla, and Paradox) and a standard amenity fee of $4 per vehicle per day at eight day use sites. In addition, the BLM is proposing a site-specific standard amenity annual day use pass of $20 per year for all day use sites.
“We are looking for comments on the draft fee proposal, particularly from those members of the public who regularly camp and recreate in the Uncompahgre Field Office,” said Uncompahgre Field Manager Dan Ben-Horin. “Collecting fees would enable the BLM to continue to provide high quality recreation experiences on these public lands.”
The fee proposal was presented to the BLM Southwest Resource Advisory Council at their September and December 2022 meetings. The fees collected would be used specifically to manage recreation in the Uncompahgre Field Office. To stay current with rising management and maintenance costs, the BLM would implement the fee structure as proposed and then use the Western U.S. Consumer Price Index to gauge future fee adjustments. Outdoor recreation is a major economic driver in the United States, with recreational opportunities on BLM-managed public lands in Colorado generating about $1.3 billion in fiscal year 2022.
The Uncompahgre Field Office Draft Recreation Business Plan is available for review and comment on the BLM Recreation Site Business Plans webpage through September 16, 2024. Submit comments by email to: BLM_CO_UFO_Recreation@blm.gov (with UFO Draft Business Plan in the subject line) or mail to: UFO Draft Business Plan, 2465 S Townsend Ave, Montrose, CO 81401.
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.