Public input welcome for Coal Creek Day Use Site Environmental Assessment
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The BLM Cedar City Field Office invites the public to provide input on the Coal Creek Day Use Site Environmental Assessment (EA) in Iron County, Utah. The project aims to enhance recreational opportunities while preserving the natural beauty and resources of the area.
"Engaging with the public and considering their valuable input is at the heart of our commitment to responsible land management,” said Acting Field Manager Jacqueline Russell. “We look forward to the public involvement as we evaluate the proposal, striving to strike the right balance between enhancing outdoor opportunities and safeguarding our natural resources."
The BLM proposes to construct a new day use site approximately five miles east of Cedar City along Highway 14, within the public lands managed by the Cedar City Field Office. This day use site would encompass approximately 55 acres and aims to improve recreational facilities and outdoor experiences for the public. The proposed site would offer amenities such as picnic sites, group areas, trailheads, vault toilets, kiosks, fire rings, grills, picnic tables, walking paths, bridges, pavilions, and perimeter fencing.
The Coal Creek Day Use Site EA includes a no camping restriction for BLM-managed public lands east of Cedar City, from Shurtz Canyon Road to ½ mile north of Fiddlers Canyon. This restriction, which covers approximately 12,600 acres, intends to reduce the risk of wildfire, prevent illegal dumping near waterways, and mitigate the impact of human waste. Approximately 99.96% of the restricted area is not suitable for camping, mainly because it is difficult to access. This inaccessibility is due to slopes with gradients exceeding 5% and the limited number of roads within the proposed closure area. The camping restriction will not affect other recreational activities in the area. The environmental assessment for the Coal Creek Day Use Site project is used to examine the environmental consequences of the proposed day use area and overnight camping restriction, including potential effects on the surrounding habitats.
The BLM values the insights gathered during the public comment period, which is instrumental to informing the Coal Creek Day Use Site EA. The BLM remains committed to an inclusive approach, involving the public, and conducting a comprehensive environmental assessment in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
Comments may be submitted in the following ways:
- Online via the “participate now” feature on the National NEPA Register at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2018851/510
- U.S. Mail to:
Bureau of Land Management
Attn: Coal Creek Day Use Site EA
176 E DL Sargent Dr
Cedar City, UT 84721
Substantive comments may be hand delivered, mailed, or submitted through ePlanning. Please reference “Coal Creek Day Use Site EA” when submitting comments. All comments must be submitted by February 23, 2024, to be considered.
Before including an address, phone number, email address or other personally identifiable information in any comments, be aware the entire comment - including personal identifying information - may be made publicly available at any time. For more information on the proposed day-use site and overnight camping restriction, please contact Cedar City Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner at 435-865-3010.
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.