The BLM Moab Field Office is accepting comments on proposals to make camping more sustainable in high-use areas
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MOAB, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Moab Field Office is seeking public input on proposals to better manage camping in three areas. These proposals are designed to make dispersed camping more sustainable in high-use areas, while reducing user conflicts and protecting cultural and natural resources. The BLM will analyze changes within the 120,037-acre Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges Special Recreation Management Area, the 9,180-acre Two Rivers Special Recreation Management Area and the 16,704-acre Utah Rims Special Recreation Management Area and along the Sunshine Wall.
BLM public lands managed by the Moab Field Office receive more than three million visits annually, which is expected to continue to grow. Public input will help the BLM determine how to manage outdoor recreation, such as whether to ensure camping is in marked individual campsites, if the use of portable toilets and/or fire pans are needed in designated campsites outside of campgrounds and whether to prohibit wood cutting and gathering in the area.
“These proposals are not designed to limit camping, but to focus dispersed camping in areas that are well-suited for that use,” said Moab Field Manager Nicollee Gaddis-Wyatt. “If implemented, these proposals will help address resource concerns and will provide opportunities for visitors to enjoy the beautiful views and outstanding recreation here for generations to come.”
“These proposals are a result of needs on the ground, conversations with local leaders and our government partners and input from BLM specialists and subject-matter experts,” said Canyon Country District Manager Gary Torres. “We look forward to hearing from the general public and this input will help inform the final decision and shape our next steps.”
Written comments will be accepted by letter or through ePlanning until June 23, 2022. If you have general comments, please state that your comments apply to all three areas and submit it on the ePlanning site for the Two Rivers Camping Management Proposal Environmental Assessment listed below. Please reference the general name of the area when submitting comments via mail.
Comments on these camping management proposals may be mailed or submitted through ePlanning.
Mail: Moab Field Office Attention: Camping Proposals, 82 East Dogwood Moab, UT 84532
ePlanning: Two Rivers Proposal ePlanning site (and site to submit general comments): https://go.usa.gov/xuuJT
ePlanning: Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges Proposal ePlanning site: https://go.usa.gov/xuttD
ePlanning: Utah Rims and Sunshine Wall Proposal ePlanning site: https://go.usa.gov/xutt5
Please note that the most useful comments are specific and contain new technical or scientific information relevant to the proposed action. Comments which contain only opinions or preferences will not receive a formal response, but these comments may be considered in the BLM decision-making process. Before including an address, phone number, email address or other personally identifiable information in any comments, be aware that the entire comment—including personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. Requests to withhold personal identifying information from public review can be submitted, but the BLM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so.
If camping rules are needed, then the BLM would propose supplementary rules through publication in the Federal Register. For more information, please visit the ePlanning website for each project, view the attached map, or contact Planning and Environmental Specialist Jill Stephenson at jstephenson@blm.gov.
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.