BLM Announces Availability of Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area Implementation Management Strategy
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Las Vegas – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Red Rock/Sloan Field Office announces the availability of the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area Implementation Management Strategy which provides new management scenarios that meet the intent of the Resource Management Plan as well as projected visitation with an emphasis on extending the life of the special account funding.
Based on public input, the immediate priority is to improve access to Petroglyph Canyon. By the end of 2015, the goal is completion of an access road, installation of a temporary visitor contact station and added amenities (vault toilet, kiosk, increased parking).
An open house meeting will be held later this month to provide more information on the management strategy. This meeting will also serve as a scoping meeting/comment opportunity on the projects proposed by the end of 2015. More information about this meeting will be distributed when a date and location have been selected.
Additional on-the-ground implementation recommendations from the plan include:
- By 2020 the following are proposed to be completed in the Petroglyph Canyon area: visitor contact station building; permanent restroom; picnic shelters and tables; interpretative signs/exhibits; and restoration and trail improvements.
- By 2025, the following are proposed to be completed in the Petroglyph Canyon area: expanded visitor contact station building; Loop Trail; overlook pavilion; amphitheater and outdoor exhibits; and additional indoor exhibits.
- Based on current visitation projections, it is anticipated that the following facilities may be needed by 2025: Dutchman Pass Trailhead; Dutchman Pass road improvements; Hidden Valley Trailhead; and Quo Vadis Trailhead; additional trails and road improvements between Dutchman Pass and Quo Vadis.
The implementation strategy serves as a recommendation document rather than a decision document. Decisions will involve public comment through National Environmental Policy Act documents and Resource Advisory Council consultation.
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.