BLM Announces Reevaluation Affecting Zone 6 and Northern Corridor Highway Approval
As a result of a settlement agreement between BLM and Conserve Southwest Utah, BLM will revisit their former approval of the four lane divided 4.5 mile highway connecting the northeast and northwest sides of St George. This decision also included establishment of Zone 6 as a newly designated Desert Tortoise Habitat, shutting down many uses including OHV in that area.
BLM originally looked at 6 proposals, 2 of which included expanding existing streets in St George which were dismissed because of cost and impact on historic buildings located on the routes. Ultimately, BLM considered 4 proposals, and selected the UDOT alternative as the recommended route, which is shorter than either of the 2 other routes crossing the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. (RCNCA)
Conserve Southwest Utah claims that placing the highway through the RCNCA will have significant environmental impact than addressed in their Decision, especially impacting the Mojave Desert Tortoise.
The 2021 BLM decision also established Zone 6 to offset habitat loss for the tortoises as a result of the highway construction for this option, resulting in losses to OHV in this area located West of Bloomington and Sun River Country Clubs. This particularly affected the loss of some trails going down to the Zion River. Reversal of the decision could restore Zone 6 for OHV and other limited purposes.
The BLM will be reconsidering 2 issues:
- Impact of wildfires including impacts on vegetation, and tortoise habitat
- Historic and prehistoric archeological sites.
We Need Your Feedback to develop UPLA’s position. This decision may affect motorized OHV, Rock Climbers, Equestrians, and cyclists to name just a few. If you have experience with trails, roads, or areas that might be affected by this decision, please email us with your feedback.
Comments Close on December 21, so follow us to learn more about our conclusion and instructions for submitting comments.
Here are some additional references for more on this
Article by KUER with an overview of the action
Public Scoping Meeting Guide with Important Information
Record of Decision by BLM 2021
Record of Decision by Fish & Wildlife 2021