BLM seeks input on proposed St. Anthony Sand Dunes Special Recreation Area Management Plan
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IDAHO FALLS, ID - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Upper Snake Field Office is seeking public input on the development of a Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP) and associated environmental assessment for the St. Anthony Sand Dunes Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA).
The St. Anthony Sand Dunes SRMA is 48,607 acres and is a popular Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) destination that receives over 250,000 visitors each year. This SRMA also includes the Egin Lakes Campground/Day Use Area and the Red Road Dispersed Area.
The purpose of the plan is to provide comprehensive guidance and direction towards sustainable recreation activities and to maintain or improve the condition of unique natural resources while creating an environment to promote the health and safety of visitors.
Potential management objectives for the plan include:
- Provide high quality recreation opportunities and experiences in the SRMA at developed and undeveloped recreation sites by maintaining existing amenities and by providing new recreation facilities as appropriate for recreation use and resource protection.
- Management of access and route designations
- Manage/administer Special Recreation Permits within the SRMA
- Meet the needs of visitors to St. Anthony Sand Dunes
The BLM is asking the public to help identify issues or provide information that could be useful in developing alternatives for management of the SRMA or analysis of the proposal. “As use of the St. Anthony Sand Dunes continues to increase, so does the need to develop a comprehensive recreation management plan,” said Upper Snake Field Manager Jeremy Casterson. “It’s important we hear from the public regarding their opinions on how the dunes will be managed in the future.” A map of the SRMA and additional information are located on the BLM’s ePlanning website at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2014069/510. To see the latest video of the dunes, use this link: https://bit.ly/3yB3zlX.
Comments must be submitted in writing either electronically through the ePlanning link above or by mail. Hard copy comments can be mailed to the Bureau of Land Management Upper Snake Field Office (USFO), Attn: Mike Setlock, 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, ID 83401. In order to ensure your comments are considered, please provide them by July 9, 2021.
For more information, please contact Mike Setlock, Outdoor Recreation Planner, at msetlock@blm.gov or 208-524-7529.
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.