The BlueRibbon Coalition is urging public land use advocates to comment on proposed changes to the Monticello Travel Plan in Utah.
The BlueRibbon Coalition reports that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Utah Monticello Field Office is seeking public comments on an Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzing designation of five routes in the Monticello Travel Management Plan.
The proposed changes would add new sections to the following previously designated routes: Blanding to Bulldog, Jacob’s Chair, Nokai Dome, River House and Woodenshoe. Some segments of the proposed routes already exist, and some portions would require new construction. Some portions would be open to all vehicles, and other portions would be open only to ATVs, UTVs and motorcycles.
Proposed route changes would connect existing routes and loops, reduce highway safety conflicts, reroute and close a washed out area, provide better access and parking to popular cultural sites and designate some existing but currently undesignated segments. All routes would be designed to minimize resource conflicts, and certain segments of new construction are proposed specifically to avoid steep slopes posing safety and erosion concerns. Construction would be timed to avoid nesting and breeding periods for migratory birds and other wildlife.
The EA, including route maps, is available for public review and comment on the Environmental Notification Bulletin Board at: https://www.blm.gov/ut/enbb/index.php (search for project name “Five New Travel Routes for Monticello TMP”).
Written comments will be accepted by letter or email until April 26, 2014. Please note that the most useful comments are those that contain new technical or scientific information relevant to the proposed action. Comments should be as specific as possible. Comments that contain only opinions or preferences will not receive a formal response but may be considered in the BLM decision-making process. Please reference “Five New Travel Routes for Monticello TMP” when submitting comments.
Written comments may be mailed or emailed using the following:
Mail
Bureau of Land Management
Monticello Field Office
Attn: Donald Hoffheins
P.O. Box 7
Monticello, UT 84535
Your Privacy Choices