BLM approves connector trail increasing off-highway vehicle opportunities
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office today approved a connector trail linking two sections of the popular Tabeguache long-distance trail currently blocked by private land.
The 1/3-mile connector trail will link a 17-mile section of the Tabeguache Trail between Little Park Road and Colorado Highway 141 near Whitewater, Colo. The route is currently blocked by a ½-mile section of private land.
Riders with licensed OHVs will then be able to cross Highway 141 and continue on the 142-mile Tabeguache Trail, a popular trail between Grand Junction and Montrose, Colo. Only licensed OHVs are allowed on the highway, but the BLM plans to continue working with the Colorado Department of Transportation and Mesa County to provide an OHV highway crossing and roadside trail on the southeast side of Highway 141, creating a legal connection for OHVs between the trail segments on either side of the highway.
“This new trail connection will provide an important backcountry link between Little Park Road and Highway 141 for OHV enthusiasts as well as other recreationists,” BLM Grand Junction Field Manager Katie Stevens said. “It will provide long-distance OHV recreation opportunities connecting the Bangs Canyon area with trails in Dominguez-Escalante NCA and Uncompahgre National Forest. Extensive planning and strong partnerships were key to getting this project approved.”
The BLM considered comments from the Colorado Department of Transportation, Mesa County, the Wilderness Society, and local recreation user groups including the Grand Mesa Jeep Club, Western Slope ATV Association, Quiet Trails Group and Grand Valley Trails Alliance in developing this trail proposal.
Trail construction is anticipated to begin this fall.
More information, including an environmental assessment and a map, is available at http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gjfo.html
For more information contact BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner, Chris Pipkin, (970) 244-3024.
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.