BLM approves additional camping opportunities in Rabbit Valley
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Grand Junction Field Office announced today a Record of Decision (ROD) approving additional camping opportunities in Rabbit Valley. Located in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, Rabbit Valley is popular for off-highway vehicle, equestrian, and mountain bike recreationists.
As part of the ROD, the BLM will establish three new campgrounds and a new parking area, and it will enhance an existing campground in Rabbit Valley. The BLM will also develop up to 75 campsites in the Rabbit Valley Planning Area. Approximately 40 campsites will accommodate recreational vehicles and camper trailers, with about 35 campsites for car and tent camping. Once the campgrounds are complete, camping will be limited to designated areas.
“This project will improve recreational opportunities and protect the special resources in Rabbit Valley for present and future generations,” said McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area Manager Collin Ewing. “We worked closely with the local community and interested user groups to develop this plan, with public input helping to shape the final.”
The Trump Administration has been committed to increasing recreation opportunities and access on public lands. In 2018, for example, BLM purchased 18,082 acres to open up an additional 115,327 acres to hunting, fishing and other recreation, improved 613 miles of rivers and streams that serve as native and sport fish habitat, and 16,680 acres of other aquatic habitats. In addition, the Administration has proposed a 2019-2020 Hunt-Fish Rule to expand hunting and fishing opportunities at 74 national wildlife refuges and 15 national fish hatcheries, across more than 1.4 million acres.
Last year, recreation on BLM-managed lands in Colorado generated $618 million and supported 5,043 jobs.
The final Environmental Assessment is available on the BLM ePlanning website: https://go.usa.gov/xyV3D.
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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.