Time is Running Out to Save Moab Trails!

We only have until Friday at 5:00 to submit final comments regarding saving iconic Moab Trails. I attended the Grand County Commission Hearing last night to make comments protesting their support of Alternative B, which would remove 437 more miles of trails from the network. The Commission approved the recommendation letter (Vote 7:0) to BLM that will remove iconic FMCA Trails 7 Mile Rim, Gemini Bridges, Golden Spike, Gold Bar Rim, Hey Joe Canyon, Mashed Potatoes, and parts of 3D Hidden Canyon. For a more complete list of trails click here. In addition, many spurs off popular routes throughout the area that go to scenic overlooks such as Monitor and Merrimack, the Tusher Tunnel, and many others will closed to motorized traffic forever. For a more complete list of trails to be closed, and the reasons can be found here

You can submit comments 2 ways:

• If you’d like to use the Blue Ribbon Coalition’s comment writer, click here. It will generate a templated letter, which you can edit and delete your personal details. Personalizing it with your personal experiences and details are what make this method effective. Pictures can tell the story of a thousand words.
• Click on this link to go directly to the BLM comments page. You can write a free form text on their form, or attach documents in most popular forms such as word, excel, pdf, and jpg photos. You can combine all your comments into one single post, or you can post as many as you want. I recommend you do a single post for each trail you want to report on.

What should you include in your comments? Anything that is of importance to you in retaining access, but here are some thought starters:

• How long you’ve been using the trail?
• Do you bring your family?
• How often you come?
• How long do you stay in Moab when you visit?
• Is the trail on your bucket list to do in the future?
• How much do you spend on each visit?
• What do you love most about the trail? Challenge, Remoteness, Views
• Did you observe any educational signs on the trail about responsible use, conservation, etc?
• How well known is the trail? Is it in specific guidebooks or publications?
• Is it an important connector between 2 trail networks?
• Are there dispersed camping sites that you’ve enjoyed, or want to come back to?
• Do you have any mobility issues that would prevent you from visiting this trail if you could not use a motorized vehicle?
• Is the trail well marked? Is it in good or obscured condition?

We are not crying wolf, either make your voice heard on this critical issue, or remain silent about the loss of these trails. Write your comments today!