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Across the landscape
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Map Alison Gallensky, Wild Connections
The Bureau of Land Management and the US Forest Service are stewards of 2,780,000 acres of federal lands in our region. Management plans guide all their activities.
Bureau of Land Mangement
Public Lands Rule
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The Arkansas River in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, predominantly comprised of BLM managed wilderness quality public lands. Photo EcoFlight.
Make your voice heard by June 20th
The BLM is accepting public comments through June 20 on its proposed Public Lands Rule to conserve important wildlife habitat and intact landscapes in the face of a changing climate This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape the future of our BLM-managed public lands, and the wildlife and communities that it affects.
The BLM is hosting virtual public meetings for this rule on June 5, 9:30 - 11:30 AM Go here to register. The BLM has more info on this rule and meetings at blm.gov/public-lands-rule.
Please make a public comment to support and welcome these proposed regulations to strengthen stewardship for public water, open space and recreation on BLM managed public lands in this era of climate change. This could give conservation equal footing on BLM managed public lands, which has historically been used for resource extraction. The BLM will consider all feedback on this, and make changes and adjustments. Our colleagues in the conservation community have more info, talking points, and a place to comment at actnowforpubliclands.org.
The BLM is hosting virtual public meetings for this rule on June 5, 9:30 - 11:30 AM Go here to register. The BLM has more info on this rule and meetings at blm.gov/public-lands-rule.
Please make a public comment to support and welcome these proposed regulations to strengthen stewardship for public water, open space and recreation on BLM managed public lands in this era of climate change. This could give conservation equal footing on BLM managed public lands, which has historically been used for resource extraction. The BLM will consider all feedback on this, and make changes and adjustments. Our colleagues in the conservation community have more info, talking points, and a place to comment at actnowforpubliclands.org.
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT EASTERN COLORADO RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN (ECRMP)
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A vew across the Table Mountain in the Arkansas Canyon. Photo Kate Spinelli
BLM's Eastern Colorado Resource Management Plan revision, which began in 2015, will determine how about 670,000 acres of BLM public land will be managed in central Colorado.
The BLM is moving forward with their analysis and coordination with cooperators for the Final ECRMP, which will be available to the public in the spring of 2023.
Wild Connections, in coordination with the local conservation and sporting community, worked on a Conservation Alternative for the ECRMP. We submitted this to the BLM in August 2021 as a resource as they prepare for the final stage in this plan. The provisions of the conservation alternative would provide protections for the most deserving BLM wild areas and wildlife.
The conservation alternative did not address fluid minerals, solid minerals, and coal resources because we believe those require additional analysis and consideration. We asked BLM to remove those components and related climate analysis from the ECRMP while the Department of the Interior completes its comprehensive review of the oil and gas program and/or until BLM considers a statewide approach to greenhouse gas analysis across relevant BLM-managed lands in Colorado.
PIKE-SAN ISABEL
FOREST PLAN REVISION
The Pike-San Isabel National Forest is expected to begin revision of their management 1984 Forest Plan after the Grand Mesa Uncomphagre Gunnison National Forest's planning is completed.
Planning news will be posted here as it becomes available.
Travel Management
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Jeep crossing a stream in Farnum area Photo Misi Ballard
Agencies designate routes open to full-sized vehicles, motorcycles, mountain bike, pack animals and foot travelers.
PIKE-SAN ISABEL MOTORIZED VEHCICLE USE MANAGEMENT
(MVUM)
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Jeeps, OHVs, motor cycles, moutain bikes, equestrians and a few hikers share Badger Flats' routes. Photo Jean Smith
Forest Supervisor Diana Trujillo issued the Record of Decision (ROD) on the long awaited Motorized Travel Management (MVUM) Analysis Project on September 26, 2022.
This ROD culminates several years of working on a court ordered revision of the Forest Service’s Pike-San Isabel (PSI) Motorized Vehicle Use Plan.
One of the last steps was taken when the USFS hosted a formal objections hearing for those that submitted objection comments, including Wild Connections. In particular we defended USFS decision to continue to keep motorized use out of Wildcat Canyon, where illegal motorized recreation has become rampant, including in and across the South Platte River. Completion of the travel management plan has opened the way for restoration projects and other USFS initiated projects.
One of the last steps was taken when the USFS hosted a formal objections hearing for those that submitted objection comments, including Wild Connections. In particular we defended USFS decision to continue to keep motorized use out of Wildcat Canyon, where illegal motorized recreation has become rampant, including in and across the South Platte River. Completion of the travel management plan has opened the way for restoration projects and other USFS initiated projects.
Trails
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Hikers give way to mountain bikers on a multi-use trail. Photo Don Thompson
OUTSIDE 285
Outside 285, the multi-stakeholder collaborative focusing on outdoor recreation and habitat conservation in the foothills region SW of Denver was recognized by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) as an Outdoor Regional Partnership.
CPW and GOCO developed the Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnership initiative to ensure that our state remains a world-class destination for outdoor recreation while preserving our land, water, wildlife, and quality of life.
The Outside 285 Regional Partnership (O285 Partnership) is made up of land managers, wildlife biologists, wildlife conservation organizations, and recreation user groups. Wild Connections is one of the partners. Over the next two years, the O285 Partnership will focus on implementing its 2021 Master Plan, building more partnerships throughout the region, and advancing both habitat conservation and trail-based outdoor recreation throughout the 285 corridor. If you have general questions about the O285 Partnership, please direct them to project consultant, ERO Resources: CTanner@eroresources.com Questions about Wild Connections' interests in Outside285 can be directed to our Conservation Director John Sztukowski
The Outside 285 Regional Partnership (O285 Partnership) is made up of land managers, wildlife biologists, wildlife conservation organizations, and recreation user groups. Wild Connections is one of the partners. Over the next two years, the O285 Partnership will focus on implementing its 2021 Master Plan, building more partnerships throughout the region, and advancing both habitat conservation and trail-based outdoor recreation throughout the 285 corridor. If you have general questions about the O285 Partnership, please direct them to project consultant, ERO Resources: CTanner@eroresources.com Questions about Wild Connections' interests in Outside285 can be directed to our Conservation Director John Sztukowski
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Outside 285 Study Area
go here to download the map (1.7 mb)
