BLM accepting comments through May 20
The Bureau of Land Management is preparing to develop a plan to manage camping and associated vehicle routes in Chaffee County and is seeking public input. The management plan is being developed in response to:
- Increased demand for camping.
- Increased impacts to natural resources.
- Increases in human waste due to lack of facilities.
- Conflicts between visitors and other public lands users.
While BLM lands within Browns Canyon National Monument (BCNM) are addressed by the BCNM Resource Management Plan, this new plan will address BLM lands adjacent to the monument. One area of concern is along County Road 194 between Highway 285 and the southern entrance to BCNM at Hecla Junction. Dispersed camping is increasing along the road as are conflicts between campers and private property owners. Dispersed camping along County Road 300 near the north BCNM entrance at Ruby Mountain is also a concern.
The BLM’s goal is to address issues and concerns associated with camping on public lands as well as meet the demand for a range of camping opportunities. A designated route network for areas with high camping demand and a travel management plan are also needed. Monitoring and adaptive management strategies are also needed to respond to changes in demand and visitor behavior.
- Specifically, the BLM is asking for input to the following questions:
- Are there certain areas where BLM should limit camping to designated sites only?
- If so, which areas?
- In these areas, are there certain existing campsites that should or should not be designated and why?
- Are there areas where BLM should consider constructing a developed campground to best meet demand and manage impacts to resources?
- Are there areas where BLM should consider not allowing camping?
A BLM report about the new plan and a link to submit comments are here. The BLM is also accepting comments via an interactive map. We encourage everyone to submit comments in support of BLM’s efforts to protect the values of our public lands in Chaffee County, especially lands adjacent to the national monument. The deadline to comment is May 20.
