RIDGWAY – The Bureau of Land Management’s Uncompahgre Field Office is seeking public comments on the Ridgway Comprehensive Travel Management Plan Environmental Assessment, analyzing four alternatives for an interconnecting trail system on public lands managed by the BLM about two miles northeast of Ridgway.

“A Comprehensive Travel Management plan allows us to manage and maintain resources while allowing the public to enjoy the land,” said Barb Sharrow, BLM manager for the Uncompahgre Field Office.  “The EA specifies a designated route system where all forms of travel are limited to routes that are identified on travel maps and posted as routes on the ground.”

The proposed action in the EA would change the travel system from about 15 miles of routes to include about 19 miles.  Over 12 miles of the routes would be newly designated and about seven miles of existing would be closed.

“While we understand many of the citizens of Ridgway, surrounding communities and local user groups have expressed an interest in the interconnecting trail system, the project required specific analysis to ensure the Ouray County gravel pit is in compliance with the Mine Safety and Health Administration regulations,” said Sharrow.

The gravel pit is authorized under a BLM Free-use Permit; the area surrounding the gravel pit is to be closed to all public entry except for authorized personnel.  

To review the environmental documents and maps associated with the EA, go to http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Information/nepa/ufo.html.  Written comments should be submitted by Feb. 1, 2013, to the Uncompahgre Field Office, Attn:  Julie Jackson, 2465 S. Townsend Ave., Montrose, CO 81401, cotmpufo@blm.gov or by fax to 970/240-5368.