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BLM seeks public comment on use of a dead-end road in the Fish Ford area

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Moab Field Office

Media Contact:

MOAB, Utah – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public comment on a proposal to change the designated season of use for a dead-end road in the Fish Ford area.  The proposal would keep the road open to public use during the fall season when the area is used for turkey hunting and dispersed camping.  If the proposal were to be implemented, the road would only be designated for use during the fall for visitor safety and to protect birds.  The proposal does not affect access to the Fish Ford Campground or primitive boat ramp, which are open year-round.

The Fish Ford area is approximately six miles south of Cisco, Utah, near the Utah-Colorado state-line.  The remote two-track road starts beyond the Fish Ford campground and dead-ends after approximately 1.7 miles. The road is subject to flooding and rock fall due to its location in the active floodplain and next to steep cliffs.  This area is important habitat for bald eagles and other birds, which are sensitive to disturbance during the spring nesting season.  The road leads to dispersed camping areas and would be open for public access during the fall season.

The BLM is seeking comments on the proposal and information about how people use this area to help inform decisions related to managing the road and nearby bald eagle summer foraging and nesting habitat.

The environmental assessment is available for review and comment on the BLM’s ePlanning project webpage at: https://bit.ly/2vSHhg6.  Comments must be submitted by June 6, 2019. 

Comments may be submitted by letter or email:

  • To send by post:
Bureau of Land Management
Attention: Stephanie McKinney
82 East DogwoodMoab, UT 84532
 
  • To send via email:
smckinney@blm.gov
Subject Line: Fish Ford Nesting Habitat
 
Comments that provide additional facts or information, suggest corrections, or include alternate ways of addressing issues identified in the proposal are the most helpful.  Please be aware that your entire comment – including personal identifying information – may be made publicly available. 

For additional information about this proposal, please contact Stephanie McKinney, Assistant Field Manager, at (435) 259-2100.  Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at (800) 877-8339 to leave a message or question.  The FRS is available 24/7.  Replies are provided during normal business hours.

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.