BLM Colorado celebrates Public Lands Day with opening of expanded Phil’s World Trail System
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CORTEZ, Colo. – On May 18, 2019, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Tres Rios Field Office will celebrate the opening of several miles of non-motorized trails and a new trailhead in the Phil’s World Trail System. The event recognizes BLM’s efforts with its partners, the Southwest Conservation Corps and Southwest Colorado Cycling Association, to expand recreation opportunities on BLM-managed public lands.
"Seeing nature from the seat of a bicycle enhances our quality of life, improves health and provides for new experiences found only in the great outdoors,” said Rick May, Senior National Advisor to the Secretary of the Interior for Recreation. “Recreation programs like this add so much toward Secretary Bernhardt's goal of, ‘getting more people out to enjoy our public lands and waterways.’ Thanks to all who contributed their time and effort!”
“This trail system expansion is a result of years of work with partners and local communities to increase recreation opportunities and access in this area,” said Acting BLM Tres Rios Field Manager Elijah Waters. “It’s fitting to celebrate the opening of more trails and access in Phil’s World, on Colorado Public Lands Day, a day that celebrates the importance of public lands to quality of life and the economy.”
To date, two new trailheads and eight miles of trails have been built. Working with its partners, volunteers, and youth corps, the BLM plans to build about 12 more miles of non-motorized trails. Phil’s World, located at the Cortez Special Recreation Management Area, is one of the BLM’s top 20 mountain biking trail systems.
The event begins at noon on Saturday, May 18, at the Cash Canyon Trailhead on County Road 9. A map and directions are attached. Following the one-hour event, all guests are invited to join the BLM, Southwest Conservation Corps and volunteers with the Southwest Colorado Cycling Association for a ride or hike on the new Highline and Canal trails.
Recreation on BLM-managed lands in Colorado generated $618 million and supported 5,043 jobs in Fiscal Year 2017.
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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.