BLM accepting public comment on proposed trail, bike race

Submitted by Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction - 

The Bureau of Land Management is now seeking public comment on a proposed 2013 mountain bike race.

Under the proposal, race organizer, Epic Rides, plans to route race traffic through portions of the Bands Canyon Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA). The race would begin in downtown Grand Junction with three different routes through Bangs Canyon SRMA. Trails would include parts of the Lunch Loop trails, Butterknife and Megellan Loop. The three-day race spanning Fri-Sun in September is expected to draw approximately 600 race participants with approximately two thousand total visitors to Grand Junction and the surrounding area if approved. Some trails may be closed during the even and could affect recreation opportunities during the event.

The City of Grand Junction, Mesa County, and the Grand Valley Trails Alliance are partnering with the BLM to assess the feasibility of this vent. The public is encouraged to respond with comments and concerns regarding this special event. Proposed course maps along with supporting documents are available on the BLM Grand Junction Field Office website at www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gjfo.html.

Public comments regarding this proposal should be received by Dec. 19. Written comments can be mailed to the Grand Junction Field Office, located at 2815 H Road, Grand Junction CO 81506, Attention: Carrie Surber. Comments can also be submitted via email to BLM_CO_GJ_Public_Comments@blm.gov.

Questions from the general public can be directed to Carrie Surber at (970) 244 3053.

Comment on proposed trail construction in Bangs Canyon

The Bureau of Land Management will accept public comments on an environmental assessment examining proposed trail construction in Bangs Canyon through Dec. 22.

Environmental assessments require an opportunity for the public to comment and there was an original deadline for comments of 30 days. Members of the public requested an extension to confer with others interested in the environmental assessment.  The original deadline of Nov. 22 is extended to Dec. 22. Under the proposal, the BLM would design and construct eight trails in Bangs Canyon totaling more than 21 miles.  The BLM, in cooperation with Responsible Recreation Foundation, plans to design and create trails available for motorcyclists, mountain bikers, ATV, Jeep and rock crawling, horseback riding and hiking.

Proposed trail maps along with the environmental assessment are available on the BLM Grand Junction Field Office website at www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gjfo.html. Public comments regarding this proposal will be most helpful to the BLM if received by Dec. 22, 2012.  Written comments can be mailed to the Grand Junction Field Office, 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO  81506, Attention: Chris Pipkin.  Comments can also be submitted via email to BLM_CO_GJ_Public_Comments@blm.gov.

Questions can be directed to Chris Pipkin at (970) 244-3024.

Before including your address, phone number, email address, or any other personal identifying information in you comment, you should be aware that your entire comment, including personal identifying information, maybe be made publicly available at any time. While individuals may request BLM to withhold personal identifying information from public view, the BLM cannot guarantee it will be able to do so.