BLM and USFS seek comments on Draft Browns Canyon National Monument Resource Management Plan
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CANON CITY, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Royal Gorge Field Office and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Comanche-Cimarron National Grasslands (PSICC) today announced the release of the draft plan for managing the Browns Canyon National Monument. The agencies are seeking public comments on the three alternative management scenarios analyzed in the draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Browns Canyon Resource Management Plan (RMP).
“Engaged partners and communities were an important part in our development of this draft plan to manage this incredible resource,” said BLM Royal Gorge Field Manager Keith Berger.
Browns Canyon National Monument was established by Presidential Proclamation 9232 on Feb. 19, 2015. The BLM manages 9,790 acres and the USFS manages 11,810 acres of the 21,600-acre monument. This plan will revise a portion of the 1996 BLM Royal Gorge RMP and amends the 1984 USFS PSICC Forest Plan.
Browns Canyon National Monument’s river corridor lies within the broader Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA). The Browns Canyon segment accounts for between 40-45 percent of the overall commercial river use in the AHRA and contributed approximately $30 million to Colorado’s economy in 2018.
This announcement opens a 90-day public comment period for the draft Browns Canyon Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. The document is available for review on the BLM’s ePlanning website at https://go.usa.gov/xn2eC.
BLM and USFS staff are hosting public open house events during the formal comment period. Meetings are scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the following towns. If unanticipated changes occur to the meeting schedule, updates can be found on the ePlanning website.
- Salida: Monday, October 28, SteamPlant Event Center at 220 West Sackett Avenue
- Buena Vista: Tuesday, October 29, Buena Vista Community Center at 715 E Main Street
- Golden: Wednesday, October 30, Marriott Denver West at 1717 Denver West Boulevard
The BLM and USFS will also host two informational webinars online during the public comment period. Dates have not yet been determined for the webinars. More information on the webinars will be available on the ePlanning site.
Public comments will be most helpful if received by Jan. 2, 2020 and must be submitted through the BLM ePlanning site at https://go.usa.gov/xn2eC or mailed to BCNM RMP/EIS, 5575 Cleora Road, Salida, CO 81201.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or any other personal identifying information in your comments, please be advised that your entire comment, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While individuals may request the BLM to withhold personal identifying information from public view, the BLM cannot guarantee it will be able to do so.
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.