The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released for public review and comment preliminary alternatives for managing about 35 miles of the Upper Colorado River between Parshall and State Bridge. Alternatives range from no changes to current management to requiring a day-use permit; adding a camping permit with designated campsites in the popular stretch between Pumphouse and State Bridge; and expanding the developed Pumphouse Campground. The preliminary alternatives and more information about the management plan update are available here. Comments must be received by September, 25, 2017 and may be e-mailed to blm_co_kr_webmail@blm.gov or mailed to Bureau of Land Management, Attn: Shane Dittlinger, P.O. Box 68, Kremmling, CO 80459. Now is your chance to provide input in a public process for how this area will be managed.
The plan will direct how recreation and natural resources will be managed by the BLM, along a 35-mile corridor of the Colorado River from Parshall to State Bridge. This includes Gore Canyon and the popular stretch of river from Pumphouse to State Bridge. The management plan addresses the management of a variety of recreational sites and facilities from dispersed use areas to defined day use sites and campgrounds. In addition, the plan manages activities such as floatboating, fishing, camping, hiking, extreme Jeeping and other activities within the Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) boundary. The plan also administers commercial and public use of recreation sites and resources. Ultimately, the plan will balance ever increasing recreational needs and pressure from the public with protection of the natural resources along the river corridor.
The need for the action is a requirement of BLM to balance public need and interest with preservation of natural resources in compliance with the multi-use and sustainable yield mandate of section 302 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and resource objectives as defined in the Kremmling Resource Management Plan of 2015.
Based on the analysis contained in this Environmental Assessment (EA), the BLM will decide which of the proposed alternatives to approve, and under what terms and conditions. Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the BLM must determine if there are any significant environmental impacts associated with the Proposed Action warranting further analysis in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Field Manager is the responsible officer who will decide one of the following:
- To approve the preferred alternative with design features as submitted;
- To analyze the effects of the preferred alternative in an EIS; or
- To modify the preferred alternative.
The goal is to produce a diversity of quality recreational opportunities that support outdoor-oriented lifestyles and add to participants’ quality of life while, at the same time, contributing to the local economies.
If you have an interest in this stretch of the Colorado River, please take the time to read this relatively brief 24-page document and submit your comments to BLM by September 25, 2017 in order for them to be considered in shaping the management plan for this valuable resource.
