BLM seeks help in reducing conflicts at Guffy Gorge
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CAÑON CITY, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management Royal Gorge Field Office is starting a public scoping period on an environmental assessment to reduce impacts to the adjacent community and public lands at Guffey Gorge (also known as Paradise Cove) in Park County, Colo.
The purpose of the EA is to identify an overall management strategy for the Guffey Gorge area. The BLM’s goal is to reduce impacts to key resources within the area that are currently, or have the potential to be, negatively affected by current and future recreation activity associated with heavy visitor use in a small area. The BLM, partners and community members are in agreement that steps need to be taken to manage visitation and issues that have escalated as a result of the area becoming a party destination.
The BLM would like the public to help identify what issues and concerns should be addressed in the EA and alternatives before the BLM begins drafting the document.
The BLM has four management goals for Guffey Gorge:
- Goal 1: Reduce risks to public health and safety.
- Goal 2: Reduce impacts to resources.
- Goal 3: Identify strategies to fund the necessary increase in management that the site requires.
- Goal 4: Continue to provide recreational opportunities for visitors in a manner that does not significantly impact other resources or recreation uses and provide the settings to meet visitor’s identified desired outcomes.
Over the last 10 years, the BLM has modified management actions in the area as visitor numbers have increased. In 2006, the BLM implemented Supplementary Rules to reduce resource impacts to the site. These rules restrict user activities to daytime only and prohibit the possession of glass in the area. The rules also make it illegal to have campfires, engage in target shooting and leave trash. The BLM has also worked with Park County in an attempt to address parking issues and congestion in the area.
For more information about current management issues at Guffey Gorge, please visit the Royal Gorge Field Office website at https://www.blm.gov/colorado
This scoping period will run from Aug. 11 to Sept. 11, 2014. Specific comments including identification of environmental issues are most helpful. For additional information or to submit a comment, please contact Linda Skinner at 719-852-8732 or email comments to rgfo_comments@blm.gov. Keep up with Royal Gorge Field Office planning efforts here.
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.