BLM seeks public input on proposed non-motorized trails system near Baker, Nev.
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ELY, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management Ely District, Bristlecone Field Office is asking the public to review and provide input on preliminary issues and planning criteria for a Travel and Transportation Management Plan and environmental assessment analyzing a proposed 2.2-mile, non-motorized trails system on public lands adjacent to Baker, Nev. Up to two miles of existing two-track roads would be closed to motorized use. The 30-day public review and scoping period concludes March 23, 2022.
“The Sagebrush Discovery Trail would connect residents and visitors with their public lands, engage recreationists in protecting our natural and cultural resources, and educate the public in resource management. It would provide local children additional routes to school, as well as a safe and healthy recreational opportunity for all ages,” said BLM Bristlecone Field Manager Jared Bybee.
The trails system would consist of up to two miles of existing two-track roads, closed to motorized vehicles and improved to make them available for hiking, biking, skiing, and walking; construction of approximately 400 feet of new trail and two trailheads, and installation of informational kiosks and interpretive signs, and benches and shade structures.
The system would be designed to ensure sustainability, conserve the outdoor environment, and mitigate potential negative impacts to natural and cultural resources. The project would employ sustainable or green construction techniques and use renewable or recycled materials where possible to reduce long-term operations and maintenance costs. It would enhance stewardship and shared support for trail maintenance. The project would not affect existing rights-of-ways.
A virtual public scoping meeting is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 8. The meeting will begin with a brief presentation on the project’s conceptual design, continue with a question-and-answer session and finish with a public input period. To register for the meeting, go to www.zoom.us/join and enter Meeting ID: 992 0317 5513.
Submit written comments to the BLM Ely District Office, 702 North Industrial Way, Ely, NV 89301, Attn: Project Manager Concetta Brown. Submit comments electronically to ccbrown@blm.gov. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Meeting materials, a map of the proposed trail route and how to register will be available online at https://go.usa.gov/xtGJg. For more information, contact Project Manager Concetta Brown at 775-289-1885 or ccbrown@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.