BLM plan to close over 1,000 public routes riles western Colorado

Watchdog ^ | May 13, 2015 | Marjorie Haun

[george76]

A plan that will close nearly 2,000 miles of public roads that have previously been open for use by the people of Mesa County is creating a public backlash against the Grand Junction field office of the federal Bureau of Land Management.

The BLM’s resource management plans (RMP) regulate the access and types of traffic allowed on roads on public lands. Road maintenance and seasonal closures are also detailed in such plans.

But the most recent RMP in Mesa County indicates the BLM’s intent to limit access to public roads which have traditionally been open to motorized, horse, and foot traffic. Accessible routes will decrease from the current 3,469 miles to just 1,777. The BLM has not offered a clear justification for its planned road closures, which has left many in Mesa County frustrated and baffled.

The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel reported that people with physical disabilities are especially troubled by the BLM’s plans.

...

There also appears to be conflicts between federal law and the BLM’s proposed closures. According to Brandon Siegfried, the President of the Public Lands Access Association,—as quoted in the Daily Sentinel—“Most of the routes facing closure were established 50 years ago or more. Federal law requires the BLM to treat such historic routes like highways, which cannot be closed through a resource management plan.”

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[Freedom_Is_Not_Free]

Agenda 21 straight up. Re-wilding. We are screwed.

UN = 1. Freedom loving Americans = 0.

[ApplegateRanch]

I believe you accidentally deleted the letters, “quads,” following ‘firings’.

[GSWarrior]

Thanks for the link.

[wrench]

“”Where is the county Sheriff? He should be out there keeping the roads open.””

Bingo!

Nothing happens in a county if the Elected Sheriff doesn’t approve.

[Jeff Head]

The War on the west has never stopped. These liberal progressive politicians/officials, and appointees continue.

“Most of the routes facing closure were established 50 years ago or more. Federal law requires the BLM to treat such historic routes like highways, which cannot be closed through a resource management plan.”

These people do not care about the law. They only care about what they can get done. People have to stand against this type of thing...and stand firm.

[CedarDave]

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[LegendHasIt]

I used to love driving the 4WD trails in the San Juans...
Pretty much my favorite places in the world.

Seriously thought about buying some high mountain property and moving up there.

But...The politics and the eco-nazis in Colorado made me decide a few years ago that I’d never even try to go there again, despite the beauty of the area.