Browns Canyon National Monument Plan Officially Begins
The BLM and USFS published the Browns Canyon Notice of Intent in the Federal Register on May 14, 2019, officially begining the Resource Managent Plan (RMP) process, which is expected to take about one year to complete.
This is accompanied by a 30-day public comment period, open until June 13, in which the BLM and USFS are soliciting comments from the public about issues to be addressed in the Browns Canyon National Monument planning process, such as wild and scenic river values as well as wildlife and wilderness values.
Or via U.S. mail to: BCNM RMP/EIS, 5575 Cleora Road, Salida, CO 81201.
Note, they are not accepting email comments.
The BLM and USFS have more info, including how to comment, at their e-planning website: here.
The BLM and USFS also plan to host public scoping meetings and online webinars during the scoping period.
In-person meetings will be held from 5:30 - 7:30 PM and will begin with a short presentation on the development of the Browns Canyon National Monument RMP.
Monday, June 3, 2019: Salida, CO at the SteamPlant Event Center (220 West Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201)
Tuesday, June 4, 2019: Buena Vista, CO at Buena Vista Community Center (715 E Main St, Buena Vista, CO 81211)
Wednesday, June 5, 2019: Golden, CO at the Marriott Denver West - Beaver Creek & Vail Rooms (1717 Denver W Boulevard, Golden, CO 80401)
If you cannot make a meeting, the BLM and USFS will also host two online webinars to give an overview of the planning process, as well as to provide a tutorial for using the comment mapping tool. The webinars will also be recorded and made available to the public.
Wild Connections is advocating strongly for a conservation alternative and management policies that keep the proposed Browns Canyon wilderness intact, with minimal disturbances to wildlife habitat. Of note, there are several Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep lambing areas and American peregrine nesting areas in Browns Canyon National Monument.
We urge you to attend a meeting or webinar and comment on this monument plan during this 30-day public comment period.
Arkansas River in Browns Canyon National Monument. Photo Bob Wick.
Rep. DeGette Introduces the 2019 Colorado Wilderness Act!
On May 6, 2019, Congresswoman Diana DeGette reintroduced the Colorado Wilderness Act!
This would permanently protect over 740,000 acres of Colorado BLM and USFS managed public lands, with many areas in our region, including Badger Creek, Beaver Creek, Grape Creek, McIntyre Hills, Table Mountain, and the Browns Canyon National Monument!
Congresswoman DeGette's press release can be found here, and a copy of the bill here.
Colorado Wilderness Act Benefits, courtesy of Rep. DeGette and staff.
Support the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act!
Click the photo for more info on The CORE Act
Colorado US Senator Michael Bennet and Congressman Joe Neguse recently introduced the Colorado Recreation & Economy (CORE) Act!
The CORE Act unites 4 previously introduce bill and will protect nearly 400,000 acres of Colorado public lands, including establishing 73,000 acres of new wilderness areas!
This Act unites and improves 4 previously introduced bills: The Continental Divide Recreation, Wilderness and Camp Hale Legacy Act, the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act, the Thompson Divide Withdrawal and Protection Act, and the Curecanti National Recreation Area Boundary Establishment Act.
