Northern San Juan • Entered by Sallie Thoreson on September 30, 2021
BLM trails Environmental Assessment for Electric Hills
September 3, 2021 – September 14, 2021
Participants and Hours
| Pre Planning hours | 10 |
| Post Admin hours | 1 |
| Activity Hours | 2 |
| Participants | 2 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
Key Issue: Public Lands Health & Protection
Activity Type: Advocacy (rallies, lobbying, meeting decision makers, letters/calls/emails)
Key Partners: Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
Landscape/area: BLM CO – Uncompahgre Field Office
Measurable Outcomes
Outcome 1: Advocacy actions (1 comments)
Short Description of Activity
The BLM put out a proposed Environmental Assessment for review regarding big game protections at the Electric Hills trail system outside of Montrose. This area for primarily mountain biking has applied for CPW Trails grant funding in the past, but there were concerns about big game protections, and an incomplete BLM assessment. The proposed winter closure season for trail users (12/1-4/15) is inconsistent with science-based dates of 12/1-4/30. We also commented on need for closure structures and monitoring and enforcement. We agreed that closure should extend to all users, including hikers and horse-riders (the original wording was updated in the EA)
Reflection/Evaluation
Nice to work with Craig Grother of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. They are a good partner for Broads and this was my first experience working with him.
It was nice to basically support BLM on their updating some inconsistencies in a policy document, but we did disagree on the dates of winter closure. We think this project will come up through CPW trail grant program again. The location of the area, near Montrose, may help diffuse mountain bike usage from more pristine forest areas.
Photos/Uploads
Upload 1 |
Photo Captions
1. Broads comments on BLM Electric Hills trails Environmental Assessment