Lets not lose Moab forever . BLM comment period ending Oct. 7 2022 Looks like its extended to 10/21

[zgfiredude]

There are things that just don't make sense. For example, They propose to close a part of the White Rim Road. So how does that work?????? It eliminates the loop, makes it an in and back out road which increases the chances for "use conflicts" and seems to simply be the precursor for closing the entire road to motorized use. How will any of these closures be enforced? It's a VAST area with little to no manpower to cover......I just feel like the whole thing isn't thoroughly vetted and is more reactionary than pro-active.

In my humble opinion, Alternative A is the only viable option here, but knowing that the discussion will likely continue. Simple closure is NOT MANAGEMENT.

Rant over. Please take the time to comment!!!

 

[Skiman21]

Well said Brian . Last day to Comment . You know the on the other side of this are out in force.

 

[Skiman21]

I got this today. From

Better late than never . I wish they put last day to comment in the headline.



Don't let BLM close Moab's world class trail system
The Bureau of Land Management in Southern Utah is updating the Travel Management Plan for the Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges area near Moab. This region is one of the most popular areas in the world for off-road recreation. The BLM reached a settlement with the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) over routes that SUWA felt should be closed, and the BLM is now required to re-analyze popular trails like Rusty Nail, Hey Joe Canyon, Gold Bar Rim, and 10 Mile Wash. The travel management area covers over 300,000 acres of BLM managed land in portions of Grand County, Utah and includes many highly-valued OHV trails. Over 400 miles of OHV routes are at risk of closure.

DON’T DELAY! Please submit comments expressing support for Alternative A or Alternative D, and opposing Alternative B of the draft travel management plan for the Labyrinth Rims / Gemini Bridges area.

 

[zgfiredude]

An Update from the TPA and RWR.........

THANK YOU!
We would like to say thank you - everyone - for your participation! In total, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) received nearly 8,000 comments! Additionally, early in the public comment period many of you asked the BLM for an extension which was granted. Thanks to that extra time, the Trails Preservation Alliance (TPA) and Ride with Respect (RwR) were able to spend many more hours strengthening our comments. So thank you all for stepping up to help!
UPDATE
It’s been nearly a month since we last spoke about the Labyrinth Rims / Gemini Bridges Travel Management Plan (TMP) between Moab and Green River. We have received many questions about the status of trails within the Travel Management Area (TMA) and what the next steps in this process will be.
As of now….NOTHING HAS BEEN CLOSED
The TPA and RwR have recommended that the BLM start over with a full Environment Impact Study because of numerous inadequacies presented in their draft Environment Assessment. If the BLM heeds this request the process will start over with (hopefully) more balanced Alternatives.
If the BLM rejects our request to start over, and makes a decision based on the current proposal, this is what you need to know:
• There will be no more opportunity for public comment before the BLM makes a decision on which Alternative they choose.
• The BLM has a deadline of May 2023 to make a decision, but with such a large volume of comments to review, that date could be moved back.
• Closures are possible after the BLM makes a decision on which Alternative or combination to choose.
• A Protest Period of 30 days may be provided once the BLM makes its decision. This is a chance to convince the BLM to change its decision if we provide compelling arguments that tend to be legal in nature.
• Implementation could go into effect within 30 days after a final decision is made.
STAY TUNED!
We are dedicated to keeping you informed as things develop but in the meantime - enjoy the trails in Moab, and remember to ride responsibly!

 

[Skiman21]

Thanks for the update Brian , I guess we are all going to hold are breath.
In the mean time I am going to go to Moab and do some four wheeling.