The Dolores District of San Juan National Forest has released its long-awaited draft environmental impact statement on the Rico-West Dolores Roads and Trails Travel Management Plan for public review and comment.
The project area is north of Dolores, Colorado, and includes the Bear Creek, Taylor Mesa, Calico National Recreation Trail, Bolam Pass, the Divide road and Groundhog Point areas. Five options address motor-vehicle use on National Forest roads and trails.
A proposed action was released during the scoping period in December 2014. The plan proposed that some trails be closed to motorized use, including at Bear Creek. New ATV trails routes were identified in the proposal. Closures drew criticism from motorized users and tour companies. Quiet users, including hunters and wildlife advocates, praised the closures and advocated that additional trails be closed to motorized use.
The options address the issues identified during that scoping process. The draft statement does not identify a preferred alternative.
“The differences between alternatives is related to trails,” said Debbie Kill, NEPA coordinator for the San Juan Forest. “The configuration for motorcycle use changes across the alternatives.”
A 45-day comment period began on Friday, May 6. Comments should be submitted by June 20. Commenters are encouraged to be specifice about proposed actions under review.
The document, maps and comment form are available on the Forest Service website at http://1.usa.gov/24uqSfo
If commenting in writing, send written comments to the Dolores Public Lands Office 29211 Colorado Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323. Comments may also be hand-delivered to this address between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Comments may also be emailed to Debbie Kill at dkill@fs.fed.us
A public open house is scheduled for June 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Dolores Community Center. For more information, contact Debbie Kill, NEPA coordinator at 970-882-6822, or make an appointment to meet with staff.