San Juan National Forest Service officials announced Tuesday that they will again take public comments for the Rico/West Dolores Travel Management Plan.
A travel management plan for the area was scrapped five years ago because procedures weren't followed.
This comment period begins the National Environmental Policy Act analysis for the project. Comments will help refine the service's proposal. The comment period begins Dec. 12, 2014, and ends Jan. 30, 2015.
The proposed action was developed by a team of Forest Service staff incorporating field work, previous public and stakeholder input, and expert knowledge. The proposal includes designated seasonal and motor uses for roads and trails.
A public open house will be held 4 to 7 p.m. at the Dolores Community Center on Thursday, Jan. 15 for comments and questions about proposed actions.
The proposed action suggests barring motorcycles on the Bear Creek Trail, a hot-button issue for local riders.
The proposed action also bars motorcycles from the Burnett Creek trail west of Rico.
The proposed action document can be viewed at: www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.php?project=44918. The document also covers the closure of some trails such as Ryman Creek trail.
Copies of the proposed action can be picked up at the Dolores Public Lands Office, 29211 Colorado Highway 145, or by contacting Debbie Kill at 970-882-6822 or dkill@fs.fed.us.
Public comments should include detailed concerns about the Rico/West Dolores Travel Management plan, and be sent by Jan. 30 to Derek Padilla, district ranger of the Dolores Ranger District, 29211 Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323; dkill@fs.fed.us; or by the comment form at the below website. Forest Service staffers are available to answer questions by appointment at the Dolores Public Lands Office or at the above phone numbers or email addresses.
Another comment period will be initiated to refine the preliminary plans by next summer.