BLM issues decision to improve recreation in Montrose County
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MONTROSE, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a decision today to lease approximately 44 acres of public land to Montrose County to develop the Shavano Gateway Recreation Area. The new area will improve recreation opportunities with the addition of trailhead parking, restrooms, picnic areas, and an off-highway vehicle training and obstacle course. Twenty miles of single-track trails will be developed on public land adjacent to the recreation area and will accommodate large group events. Last year, recreation on BLM-managed lands in Colorado generated $618 million and supported more than 5,000 jobs.
The BLM and Montrose County partnered with the Western Slope 4 Wheelers, Back Country 4x4’s, Uncompahgre Valley Trail Riders, and the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Association to design the Shavano Gateway Recreation Area’s facilities. The facilities will also support the Dry Creek Recreation Area trails, the 160-mile Rimrocker Trail to Moab, UT and the new 20-mile single-track trail system.
“This decision supports our commitment to being a good neighbor,” said Greg Larson, Field Manager of the Uncompahgre Field Office. “We will continue to provide diverse recreation opportunities and improve access to public land while supporting the social and economic development of the area.”
The BLM may ultimately convey this public land to Montrose County under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, which allows a land transfer following a successful lease period. Secretarial Order 3373 ensures land transactions aid in public access and recreation opportunities.
For more information on the Montrose County Shavano Gateway Recreation Area project, please contact Jana Moe at 970-240-5324 or jpmoe@blm.gov.
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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.