BLM Seeks Public Input for Non-Motorized Trails Near the Wasatch Front

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently sent out a press release announcing the BLM's initiation of an Environmental Assessment for the development of non-motorized trails in the Lake Mountains, North Oquirrh Management Area, and Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons. The press release is included below.

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Salt Lake Field Office is considering the development of non-motorized trails on public lands near growing communities to increase recreation opportunities and improve access to public lands. Trails are being considered in the Lake Mountains in Utah County, the North Oquirrh Management Area (NOMA) in Tooele County, and Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons in Salt Lake County.

“The BLM is considering ways to improve recreation access close to Utah’s major population centers, while protecting natural and cultural resources and sustaining economic uses,” said Acting BLM Salt Lake Field Manager Allison Ginn. “We are looking forward to working with our partners to create new hiking, biking, and equestrian trails that will enhance outdoor experiences and expand opportunities close to home.”

Increased availability of non-motorized trails near the Wasatch Front will benefit 85% of Utah’s population that make their home in this region. The BLM anticipates that up to 25 miles of new, single-track, non-motorized trails would be constructed within the Lake Mountains, up to 15 miles would be constructed within the NOMA, and up to 10 miles would be constructed within Rose and Yellow Fork Canyons. The proposed trails may support combinations of hiking, mountain biking, e-biking, and horseback riding.

Public scoping will begin on July 1 and end on July 16, 2020. Interested members of the public, local governments, tribal members, organizations, and other stakeholders are encouraged to provide comments during this public scoping period to help identify alternatives to be considered in the environmental analysis, refine the proposed action, clarify issues, and identify new issues.

All comments must be submitted on the BLM’s ePlanning website at https://bit.ly/3iiWTR6. To be considered, comments must be submitted by the close of business on the last day of the public scoping period (4:30 p.m. on July 16, 2020).

Please be aware that your entire comment, including your personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, it is not guaranteed.

For additional information, please contact Roxanne Tea, at 801-977-4300. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1 (800) 877-8339 to leave a message or question for the above individual. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.

-BLM-

Please submit comments on the preliminary proposal through the BLM ePlanning website (link below) through 4:30pm, July 16th. Scoping comments will be used to refine the proposed action or develop additional alternatives, as appropriate, and to identify issues to be addressed in a future draft Environmental Assessment, which will be made available for a 30-day public comment period.