Big Positive News About Today’s Negotiations!

Scoping is underway for the proposed Land Exchange for the Washington County Water Conservancy District to obtain 1050 acres of land from the Western portion of Sand Mountain OHV area near Warner Valley. Part of this is to provide land for the new reservoir, to which we have no objection, but we are in opposition to the addition of the land east of Warner Valley Rim which would affect West Rim and Ridgeline Trails. You can learn more about the details here at www.UtahPLA.com

Recent Development  Monday Morning-VERY IMPORTANT
We had a meeting with the Washington County Water Conservancy District this morning to discuss our concerns about losing both access and Open OHV recreation on the area east of the proposed reservoir waterline. We reached an agreement a verbal agreement that WCWCD would stipulate that the area will be restricted against any development activity and that it would remain designated for Open OHV forever, regardless of who might be managing the property. In addition, they agreed to also ensure we have either continued access via the Ridgeline Trail from Washington Dam, or will cut in an alternate access. This was the outcome we were hoping for, and greatly reduces our concerns. We will take steps to ensure this stipulation is well documented. At this point, we still are taking the position to oppose the Exchange until we get further assurance. We need everyone to show up at the meeting tomorrow to show your support, 

What is Scoping? NEPA requires the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to involve the public in the planning process and seek their input through a scoping process, which is one of the first steps of the process. It will be followed by BLM’s preparation of a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and you will have another opportunity to submit comments. Effective NEPA scoping comments for BLM should answer these questions, some thought starters have been included in italics, but come up with your own questions.

1. Provide specific information about the proposed action, including its location, purpose, and potential environmental impacts. We understand the purpose of the reservoir use, but what is the purpose of the large acquisition east and north of the reservoir? We have asked the Water Conservancy District and City of Washington what they plan to use the land for, and their response has been that it’s too early to have thought about it. How will it affect visitors and their economic impact?
2. Identify any alternatives that the BLM should consider, including no action, and explain why they would be preferable or less impactful. What other locations may have been considered for the exchange located north and east of the reservoir? Include alternatives in the EIS that eliminate the areas east of the reservoir.
3. Highlight any potential significant impacts that may result from the proposed action and suggest ways to mitigate or avoid them. Without knowing what the use will be, it is impossible to clearly analyze potential impacts or mitigations. Some impacts could be things like user conflicts between OHV and development or noise or traffic concerns.
4. Provide relevant scientific data, studies, or other sources of information to support the comments.
5. Address the scope of the proposed action, including any indirect or cumulative effects that may result from the action. How will access to the public lands on top of Warner Ridge and West Rim be accomplished. What will be the impact of the loss of staging and dry camping in the area? What will be the impact on OHV traffic patterns from the recently constructed Waddy’s Corral Staging area. Why are they taking more land than they need for the reservoir? Where will the people that use the disbursed camping sites on Pipeline Road go to? Where will the campers using Washington Dam free camping area go? There are often many conflicts when different land managers are in charge of adjacent areas, who is going to manage the acquired land, and what is their experience at working with BLM. How will the view sheds from the West Rim trail and above be impacted by the change?
6. Identify any potential environmental justice concerns that may arise from the proposed action, such as impacts on low-income or minority communities. How will the loss of free and disbursed camping affect users of lower income?
7. Discuss any potential cultural or historical impacts on Native American tribes or other affected communities. What are the potential cultural, anthropological, and historical impacts?
8. Offer specific suggestions for how the BLM can address public concerns and incorporate feedback into the decision-making process. Please extend scoping period to give more interested parties time to get more information and make comments. We have a large number of visitors that come at different times of the year, it will take awhile to get the word out to people interested in the outcome.Scoping is not about getting answers, it’s about developing the questions that should be answered in the EIS.

What Do You Need to Do? Attend the Public Scoping Meeting and advise them of the questions and concerns you have. next Tuesday, March 21 from 5:00 to 7:00 at the St George Library, Forsyth Community Room B, 88 W 100 S, St George, UT 84770. Drive your 4x4s, machines, and street legal dirt bikes to show support.

We will inform the media of the event and urge them to cover it, so we urge you to drive your 4x4s and street legal machines to the meeting to show the level of concern about this.

Be respectful and professional. We have a great relationship with BLM in the St George Field Office, and it is very important that you are vocal, but respectful during the meeting. Remember, the media may be there to cover it. It is very likely that the crowd may exceed the capacity of the room, so please be patient. Representatives from BLM will meet with small groups of people at a time. They will also provide Comments Forms to you and help you learn how to submit them. UPLA and DRATS will provide more instructions at the meeting via a handout.

Submit your written comments, these are extremely important, way more important than just showing up at the meeting.

To submit comments, you can do it electronically via either of 2 methods:

1. Via email to the BLM at blm_ut_sgfo_comments@blm.gov, with a copy to StopSandMtnSale@gmail.com OR
2. Visit Blueribbon Coalition’s Action Alert You can also mail your comments to:

Attn: Red Cliffs/Warner Valley Land Exchange
Bureau of Land Management
Stephanie Trujillo, Realty Specialist
345 East Riverside Drive
St George, UT 84790

Come to the Scoping Meeting on March 21 and Send in your Comments before April 13.

Together, We Can Win,
But We Can’t Do It Without You

COPPER GLOBE MINE.

38.80312463885838, -110.91094371996786

Located in the San Rafael region just south of the I-70, this very unique deserted mine is located on the Devils Canyon & Copper Globe mine trail, which is a connector to the Sulphur Canyon overlook and the Devils Canyon Trails. These create a nice loop trail from the Interstate back to the Interstate.

The Copper Globe Mining area is a great opportunity for visitors to explore this very historic mine that was in operation from the 1900 – 1905. The Copper Globe mine is distinct from the mining in the surrounding area because it was a copper mine, rather than Uranium, which dominated the mining especially later in the Cold war era.

No copper was actually successfully smelted due to the low quality of the ore. Features at the site include mining cabins, mine tunnels, a water cistern and most interesting of all a 75’ long pile of lumber, it was believed that the miners left the Globe mine so quickly that the pile of firewood was never used fully for its purpose to fire the smelter.

You can enjoy exploring the whole site on lots of interesting trails which wind through the area.

The site is in a remote area, remember to bring water and supplies for your time at the site, and while the large pile of lumber is tempting, do not collect any of the wood for any reason as well as campfires due to the historical importance of the of this feature of the site.

Published by Colin Smith

UPLA is proud to announce our sponsorship of Katelyn Boren in the WEROCK Pro Series for 2023. Katelyn has been competing in rock crawling competitions for 3 years-since she was 13! In 2022, she tied for 1^st place in the Grand nationals held in Farmington, NM

For 2023 the Hurricane resident is moving up from the Sportsman class to the Pro Mod Series.

Katelyn not only has a passion for the sport, but also for taking care of the land. She has been actively engaged in many trail maintenance projects, and will be speaking about UPLA’s mission during the coming year.

We wish Katelyn much luck and success in her competition during 2023. Click here to see our Announcement on YouTube

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!

The Moab Travel Management Plan is vitally important to all motorized vehicle users, 4×4, ATV, and motorcycle. There is tremendous support for the most conservative Alternative B from SUWA, and if we don’t all get behind the effort to submit comments, we may lose 400+ miles of trails in Moab. Not only that devastating effect, but it will also lead to closures of many dispersed camping locations, and will likely also embolden SUWA to push for Wilderness designation.

There is a huge effort on behalf of many off road groups including not only UPLA, but Blue Ribbon Coalition/Sharetrails, Colorado Offroad Trail Defenders, and the Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition. Let’s trust these organized groups to handle the legal demands.

What we need from every user, or potential user of these trails is to make their voices heard on specific trails that are important to them.  Some of the items you may include in your comments are:

• How often you’ve done the trail, or if you plan to do it in the future, mention it’s on your bucket list
• What specific value or features make the trail special
• Who did you go with? Friends, Family, Kids, Clubs
• Did the trail have particularly heavy or light traffic when you did it
• Is this trail an important connector to another trail
• Are there camping sites along it? Did you camp?
• Is it on publicly available resources such as Guidebooks, EJS Routes, Online Trail Maps? Mention where you’ve seen it featured
• Photos that show popular features of the trail, or the general road condition or signage-Photos are vitally important to telling your personal story, don’t hesitate to share photos with people in them to personalize it

General comments about the potential impact to the local economy or other factors are also helpful such as How often you come to Moab? OR How long do you usually stay?

The most difficult thing about writing comments about specific trails is finding which trails may be affected. To help with that, we have compiled a list to help with the location of the affected areas, this list is still being compiled so check back to see any additions to the list.

• Don’t get concerned about what Alternative is affected, if it’s on the list, tell them why it’s important
• Comment on the trails that are specific to your experience. DO NOT COPY AND PASTE THIS LIST INTO YOUR PERSONAL COMMENTS, THAT RUNS A RISK OF HAVING THE PROFESSIONAL COMMENTS BEING WRITTEN DISCARDED AS DUPLICATES.

Don’t wait, start making your comments now,  you can make as many and as often as things come to you.

2 Ways to Submit Comments:

1. Submit directly on the BLM website. Click on Participate Now, then scroll to the right to click on Participate Now a second time. If you use this method, please send a copy of your comments to brc@sharetrails.org
2. Submit using the Blue Ribbon Coalition Comment Writer. Scroll down to “Add Your Voice” It will generate a general template, be sure to edit it as much as you can and include your specific comments in it before you hit Send.

General Comments: We are extremely disappointed with the draft alternatives under consideration at this stage of the process. While alternative D is largely acceptable and keeps all of the most valuable routes open, the mass closures of important motorized routes contemplated in alternatives B and C are wholly unacceptable to the motorized community. These two alternatives represent a massive departure from both the 2008 RMP and the historical management of the area and are simply not justified either legally or factually.

Though alternative C appears to be positioned as the middle-ground “blended” or “balanced” alternative (thus we will treat it as the BLM’s likely preferred alternative in our comments), we see little difference between it and the “conservation” alternative B. Both alternatives would result in the unacceptable closure of at least portions of many of the most valuable motorized routes in the region, including multiple Jeep Safari trails and trails like Ten Mile Canyon and Hell Roaring Canyon which the BLM has previously acknowledged provide critically important motorized recreation opportunities. Even the pro-motorized alternative D inexplicably closes part of the Buttes and Towers Jeep Safari route, though it is acceptable in most other respects.

We submit these comments to request that the BLM adopt a modified version of Alternative D as the final travel management plan for this area, and we ask that you preserve the maximum number of opportunities for motorized recreation, particularly for full-size four-wheel-drive vehicles. As an alternative, adoption of Alternative C would need to  include the following specific areas of concern.

Here’s our suggestions to help you identify affected trails…

Specific Areas of Concerns: These descriptions are intended to help you identify areas that you are familiar with to make comments on. DO NOT CUT AND PASTE THESE COMMENTS, IT MAY DAMAGE OUR OTHER EFFORTS AND MAKE COMPREHENSIVE COMMENTS BY OUR PROS DEEMED A DUPLICATE.

THERE IS NO NEED FOR YOU TO MENTION EACH OF THESE TRAILS, ONLY THE ONES THAT ARE SPECIAL TO YOU AND YOU HAVE A PERSONAL CONNECTION TO.

On September 30, we’ve added the primary reasons cited for each closure using the following letter designations that should be helpful in making comments

W-Wilderness characteristics-
R-Riparian and Vegetation impacts-splits or widening of trails, proximity to watersheds, soil erosion
WI-Wildlife Impacts, mostly bighorn sheep lambing
C-Cultural Impacts
U-User conflicts, can be river rafting, hiking, mountain biking
T-Trail Condition, lightly used or obscured, spur or duplicate not deemed necessary

• The most important route we wish to comment on is D2759, commonly known as the Ten Mile Canyon Trail or the Ten Mile Wash Trail. Alternative C considers closing the lower two-thirds of this trail (D2759B) below the Midway Access Road. Alternative B goes even further and closes the entire Ten Mile Canyon trail and the Midway Access Road to motorized use. Both of these alternatives are utterly unacceptable to the motorized community, and we vehemently oppose closing any portion of Ten Mile Canyon to motorized use. Only alternate D keeps the full Ten Mile Canyon route open to motorized use; and we strongly urge its adoption. (W, R, WI, U)
• We strongly oppose the closure of the upper two-thirds of the motorized route at the bottom of Hell Roaring Canyon (D1223C), as proposed in alternative C, and the closure of the entire trail past the Mineral Bottom airstrip as proposed in alternative B. (R, U, WI)
• We object to the closure of the D-road portion of the Mineral Canyon road (D1217) as proposed in alternatives B and C. This extremely scenic route is featured in both a published guidebook and online trail guide and provides crucial access not only for motorized recreationists, but also for hikers and BASE jumpers. The closure of this road would severely harm multiple recreational user groups and is simply not warranted. The entire Mineral Canyon road, including the D1217 segment, serves an important purpose and need in providing recreational access for three distinct user groups: (1) motorized users, (2) hikers, and (3) BASE jumper vehicular retrieval. (WI, R, W)
• Hey Joe Canyon (D1527) is an extremely scenic trail along the Green River through Labyrinth Canyon that has long been a staple of the Easter Jeep Safari trail system. Alternative B was modified to close both it and the neighboring route downstream along the Green River from Spring Canyon Bottom (D1526). We are concerned by the fact that the BLM would consider closing Hey Joe Canyon in any alternative (WI, R, W)
• We object to the proposed closure in alternatives B and C of the trails in Upper Hidden Canyon (D2387, D2387A, D2398A, D2384). Together, these trails form a popular spur trail off the 3D Safari trail. The trail has been well managed and is lined with fences for nearly its entire length, so concerns for damage are minimized. (R, WI)
• We strenuously object to the proposed closures of vitally important segments of the world-famous Sevenmile Rim (D2398B, D2398D, D2398F, D2437) Jeep Safari trail included in alternative B. It appears that there are mapping errors that may have been corrected by BLM that removed it from the C Closure list, but we urge that you keep these routes open in your final approval. (R, WI)
• We vigorously object to the closure of D2393, which is proposed in all of the action alternatives. This route loops around Pasture Butte and is a critical segment of the Buttes and Towers Easter Jeep Safari Trail. The Buttes and Towers Trail is one of the most popular safari routes.  (R, WI)
• We strongly oppose the closure of D2624 and D2633, as proposed in alternatives B and C. D2624 is referred to by Moab locals as either the Lost World Butte trail or the Lost World Valley trail because it runs through the valley below Lost World Butte. It is a popular 4×4 trail that is part of the longer “Rainbow Spire” route, which consists of the Rainbow Rim trail (D2618), the Lost World Butte trail (D2624), the Rainbow Terrace trail (D2626), and the Dellenbaugh Tunnel leg of the Secret Spire Safari route (D2621 and D2053) (WI, R)
• We strongly oppose the proposed closure of 7-Up Trail (D1944, D1945, D1946B, D1754, D1953) in alternatives B and C of D1944, which is the eastern end of the 7-Up trail which connects to Highway 313 at the switchbacks climbing out of Sevenmile Canyon. There is a popular challenging section of the trail, access to campsites, and the entire route makes a nice connection to Metal Masher and Gemini Bridges Road.(WI, T, U, R)
• We object to the proposed closure of portions of West Arths Rim Loop in alternative C of D1915, D1916, and D1922, which are a critical part of a highly scenic, lesser-known loop trail off the northwestern end of Metal Masher on West Arths Rim. This loop consists of D1915, D1916, D1922, D1930, and D1931, and travels northwest along the rim of Box Canyon out to two scenic overlooks on the northwestern extremity of Arths Rim. A connecting road (D1930) then connects back to Metal Masher near the Widow Maker obstacle. The most scenic part of this loop following the Rim above Box Canyon is proposed for closure in alternatives B and C, which we believe to be unwarranted. (R, WI)
• We object to the proposed spring seasonal closure of the Day Canyon Point (D1625A, D1625B, D1630, D1627, D1704) Jeep Safari trail in alternative C, and the proposed complete closure of this extremely valuable route in alternative B. We oppose the closure in alternative C of the side route D1704, which is incorrectly mapped as a dead-end when in fact it connects to a trail on SITLA land. The proposed seasonal closure from April 1 – June 15 would likely make the route no longer available for use during Easter Jeep Safari, at least outside of official EJS trail runs. (WI, U, R, W)
  While seasonal closures may be appropriate on less popular routes, to have one of the most popular trails in Moab closed during peak spring season would cause severe harm to the motorized recreation experience in the area. We ask that the BLM adopt the alternative D designations with respect to D1625A, D1625B, D1630, D1627, D1704 and keep all of them open year-round.
• The Deadman Point trail is an easy Easter Jeep Safari trail and consists of several different branching spur routes that go out to various overlooks of Labyrinth Canyon on Deadman Point between the mouth of Hell Roaring Canyon and Bowknot Bend. D1501 and D1507 are proposed for closure in alternative C, while all of the routes past the end of D1497A would be closed in alternative B. We strongly oppose all of these closures, which would deprive motorized users of access to important scenic overlooks on the rim of Labyrinth Canyon. (WI, W)
• We strongly oppose the closure of routes in the Courthouse Rock and Tusher Canyon area including all of the following D2457, D2453, D2377, D2478, D8466, D2482, D2498, D2379 & D2375. These routes are very popular and affect Wipe Out Hill, connector routes, scenic canyons off Tusher Wash and Canyon. It appears that some of these closures may have been inadvertent errors in mapping. We urge them to be kept open in all Alternatives. (None)
• The Mashed Potatoes trail (D2562) is proposed for closure in alternative B, which we adamantly oppose because it is a highly valuable Jeep Safari trail and is a major trail featured in published guidebooks. We are glad to see it remains open in alternative C, and ask the BLM to adopt this designation in the final travel plan. We also ask the BLM to correct its mapping of this route, which actually has two parallel paths in places. We also oppose closures of the following short spurs to scenic overlooks (D2560, D2559, D2524A, D2577, D2392A, D2375A, D2359, D0037, D2491, D2554, D2383B) (T)
• Seven Mile Canyon Routes (D1980, D1972). It appears that D1972 and D1980 both have mapping errors, and support keeping the currently open portion of D1972 as proposed in Alternative C as it provides a scenic viewpoint. (T)
  D1941 is proposed for remaining open in Alternative D with a seasonal closure, and we support adding this to Alternative C (T)
  D1917A is an important and regularly used route which accesses a scenic overlook of a side spur of South Fork Sevenmile Canyon. It is simply a continuation of the southern portion of D1917, which begins on a SITLA parcel at the base of the Widow Maker obstacle on the Metal Masher Jeep Safari Trail. (T) D1917 and D1917A form a scenic side spur off the Metal Masher trail which is commonly driven in conjunction with it. We strongly oppose the closure of D1917A as proposed in alternative C, and we believe this closure may be proposed in error. (T)
  Sevenmile Canyon Overlook (D1908A) is a highly scenic and lightly used half mile overlook that is currently slated for closure in B and C. We support keeping it open in all Alternatives. (T)
  D1908 is a short spur that goes to a sheltered hollow along the side of Widow Maker Mesa. Dispersed camping is allowed along this trail and there are a couple places which would make good campsites. It is well-defined and regularly traveled, and there is no justification for closing it as is proposed in alternative  B. We ask that this route be kept open to motorized use as proposed in alternatives C and D. (T)
  D1843 Three Pools Pour Off is a 2 mile spur that goes to an overlook, it is open in Alternatives C and D, we advocate keeping it open. (T)
  D1998A is a short spur that offers scenic overlooks of Monitor and Merrimac Buttes. We urge that it be kept open together with the rest of D1998.(T)
• Arths Pasture Route D0017 appears to be closed in B, C, and D, most likely because of a mapping error. We strongly encourage keeping this scenic route open in all Alternatives. (T)
  D1879 is proposed for closure in alternative B, open with a seasonal closure for bighorn sheep lambing in alternative C, and open in alternative D. While we are grateful this route is still open in alternative C, we believe the seasonal closure in alternative C is imposed in error, as the route is not in bighorn sheep lambing habitat as defined in the 2008 RMP. The route report incorrectly lists D1879 as being in a bighorn sheep lambing area with a camping restriction. In reality, it is not within a restricted camping zone established for bighorn sheep lambing habitat, but just outside of one. (WI)
  D1876 Periscope Canyon  is proposed for closure in alternatives B and C and kept open in alternative D. We do not believe it is in the bighorn lambing impact map, and should remain open. D1871 and D1872 provides access to scenic views and camping. D1860 and D1864 provide access to Metal Masher. (WI) D1804 is a valuable connector route, and may actually be a candidate for a future EJS route. We strongly encourage you to keep it open in all Alternatives. (T)
• Golden Spike is proposed to remain open in Alternative C and D, but we strongly oppose the closure of this route in B, as well as D1579B and D1579C, which include features like the Golden Crack obstacle. Closing any of these routes would be a huge blow to the triad of trails in this area. Mapping errors exist in this area, for example the Skyline Drive section is improperly omitted on BLM maps and thus excluded from the authorized route map. (T)
• Gold Bar Rim (D1595, D1579C, D1579D) These are proposed open in C, but the closure in B would affect all 3 of the popular trails in this area.(T)
• Where Eagles Dare (D1579, D1579B) should both remain open in Alternative B and it is in C & D (T)
• Rusty Nail D1592A, D1592B) is an extremely valuable motorized route, and while we are glad it is proposed to remain open under alternative C, the entire trail would be closed in alternate B. This is utterly unacceptable to the motorized community. Closing this route would leave only three other Easter Jeep Safari routes (Cliffhanger, Pritchett Canyon, and Hell’s Revenge (Escalator Version) suitable for heavily modified rock crawlers, plus the Coyote Canyon trail which is not used during EJS.
• Four Arches Canyon D1775 is the route up Four Arches Canyon, which begins on a SITLA parcel in Crips Hole near a Boy Scout camp. This is a highly scenic and moderately challenging 4×4 which allows drivers to explore a neat canyon and view several natural arches. It is also a powerline access road and is necessary for powerline maintenance. We strongly oppose closing this route as proposed in alternative B, and ask that it be kept open as proposed in alternatives C and D
• D1777 is an easy route up the bottom of Saucer Canyon, and offers a great camping area that would become inaccessible in alternative B. It appears that BLM route data may be incorrect causing it not be included properly in the routes.
• Boulder Bridge D1781 and D1872 provides hiking access to a natural bridge. There is no justification for closing this route as proposed in alternative B, and we urge the BLM to keep it open as proposed in alternatives C and D.
• D1602 is the route up Dry Fork Bull Canyon. This route is proposed to stay open in alternatives C and D but is proposed for closure in alternative B. The closure in alternative B was added at the request of Grand County, based on allegations of user conflict between motorized and non motorized users., which are unsubstantiated.

Only You Can Keep Our Moab Trails Open

All These Trails In Red Could be Closed Without your Help

The BLM is reviewing their 2008 Travel Management Plan for the Gemini Bridges/Labyrinth area as a result of a 2017 settlement with SUWA. It should be noted as a preface that in the original 2008 TMP, 766 miles of trails were already closed

The proposal for the new TMP affects the holy grail for off roaders, and affects trails northwest of Moab from West of Highway 91 to Green River. This is a huge area, and trails that would be affected by these plans include Hey Joe Canyon, Ten Mile Canyon, Hell Roaring Canyon, Golden Spike, Gold Bar Rim, Rusty Nail, Day Canyon Point, Dead Man Point, Bull Canyon, 3D/Mashed Potatoes Jeep trails, Dead Cow and Tubes motorcycle trails are being proposed for closure. Parts of Where Eagles Dare, Buttes and Towers, Wipe Out Hill, and 7 Mile Rim also will be potentially closed to OHV use.

You must take action to prevent this happening. If you don’t participate, you are giving up not only your voice, but your right to be represented in a legal challenge on your behalf.

How to Take Action

• The best way to take action is to share your personal comments and thoughts about the TMP proposals, and your personal experiences with trails that you have used in the past, or that are on your bucket list that you plan to visit in future. Other things you might mention are
  1. The popularity of trails and their inclusion in Guidebooks or online resources, or at events such as EJS.
  2. Physical limitations that would prevent you from enjoying this area other than by motorized vehicles.
  3. You can do this by submitting your comments here by clicking Participate Now

It has been suggested that multiple comments are more effective than one long list of comments. The BLM form allows 5000 words, but you can also attach many document types directly. If you have photos of your visits, those are also helpful.

Please email your comments to brc@sharetrails.org once submitted.

• Use Share Trail’s form writer as a starter, and then personalize the comments before submitting. https://www.sharetrails.org/dont-let-blm-close-437-miles-of-the-most-popular-trails-on-earth-in-moabs-labyrinth-rims-gemini-bridges-travel-management-plan/

Please read on to learn about each of the 4 Alternatives, their impact, and at the very end the alternative preferences recommended by Utah Public Lands Alliance and Blue Ribbon Coalition/Share Trails.

BLM has proposed 4 Alternatives that would have the following impact, with a BLM description of that action. The link shows you in red the trails that would be closed with that Alternative were selected.

Alternative A represents the no action or current management alternative and consists of the route designations and management objectives made in the 2008 Travel Plan and subsequent route designation revisions. Alternative A reflects the total network of evaluated routes considered for designation in this travel planning effort and is used as a baseline for comparison between the alternatives. In Alternative A, route designations for the TMA would remain unchanged—that is, all 1,127.7 miles of evaluated routes would remain available for OHV use. Of these, 1,056.9 miles would remain OHV-Open, 65.3 miles would remain limited by vehicle width, and 5.5 miles would remain limited to e-bikes. The miles of routes designated as OHV-Open or OHV-Limited includes 197.3 miles of regularly maintained routes (17% of total evaluated miles) and 930.4 miles of minimally maintained routes (83% of total evaluated miles). While changes are not proposed under Alternative A, it still provides for continuation of current route use and would have route use-related effects comparable to the action alternatives.

Alternative B prioritizes protection of wildlife habitats, natural and cultural resources, ecosystems, and landscapes. OHV use is more constrained under this alternative than under any other alternative. Maps posted on September 16th, 2021, showed routes to be designated in preliminary Alternative B as follows: 682.0 as OHV-Open, 81.0 as OHV-Limited, and 364.0 as OHV-Closed. After the maps were posted, internal and external comments resulted in further adjustment to the proposed network wherein several proposed designations were changed to further constrain OHV use and reduce resource and user conflicts (see Section 4.2.1). In Alternative B, 606.0 miles (54% of the evaluated route miles) would be designated OHVOpen, 84.0 miles (7%) OHV-Limited, and 437.8 miles (39%) would be closed. Of the routes designated as OHV-Limited, 75.6 miles would be limited by vehicle size and 5.5 miles would be limited to e-bikes. The routes designated OHV-Open or OHV-Limited would consist of 194.9 miles of regularly maintained routes and 495.1 miles of minimally maintained routes. All but 2.5 miles of routes that would be closed to OHV use under this alternative are minimally maintained. Of the OHV-Closed routes under this alternative, 52.6 miles would remain available for authorized or administrative use only, 5.0 miles would be reserved for passive non-motorized trail use, and the remaining 380.3 miles would be decommissioned and earmarked for reclamation. This alternative would close some segments that are part of the BLM-recognized Jeep Safari trail system

Alternative C represents a balanced approach to OHV access opportunities and a variety of management actions which resolve issues and management concerns while accommodating the BLM’s multiple use mandates and responsibilities. This alternative has OHV-Open, OHVLimited, and OHV-Closed designations that accommodate natural and cultural resource protections while designating more miles of routes for OHV use than Alternative B. In this alternative, 838.7 miles (74% of the evaluated route miles) would be designated OHV-Open, 121.4 miles (11%) OHV-Limited, and 167.7 (15%) OHV-Closed. Of the OHV-Limited routes, 97.6 miles would be limited by vehicle size, 5.5 miles would be limited to e-bikes, and 18.3 miles would be limited seasonally. The routes designated OHV-Open or OHV-Limited would consist of all 197.3 miles of regularly maintained routes as well as 762.7 miles of minimally maintained routes. All routes that would be closed to OHV use under this alternative are minimally maintained. Of the OHV-Closed routes under this alternative, 23.5 miles would remain available for authorized or administrative use only, 10.1 miles would be reserved for passive non-motorized trail use, and the remaining 134.1 miles would be decommissioned and earmarked for reclamation. Under this alternative, all high-value routes in the BLM-recognized Jeep Safari trail system would remain designated for OHV use. There have already been a number of routes earmarked for closure that are in the current EJS trail system, and it is expected we will find more.

Alternative D is the action alternative that would designate the most miles of evaluated routes as OHV-Open, allowing for the most OHV-based access opportunities of any of the action alternatives, and accommodating a full range of uses while still mitigating travel-related impacts. In this alternative, 974.3 miles (86% of the evaluated route miles) would be designated OHVOpen, 100.9 miles (9%) would be designated OHV-Limited, and 52.5 miles (5%) would be Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Plan Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-UT-Y010-2020-0097-EA 17 closed. Of the OHV-Limited routes, 93.1 miles would be limited by vehicle size, 5.5 miles would be limited to e-bikes, and 2.4 miles would be limited seasonally. The routes designated OHVOpen or OHV-Limited would consist of all 197.3 miles of regularly maintained routes as well as 877.9 miles of minimally maintained routes. All routes that would be closed to OHV use under this alternative are minimally maintained. Of the 52 miles of OHV-Closed routes under this alternative, 11.2 miles would remain available for authorized or administrative use only, 2.0 miles would be reserved for passive non-motorized trail use, and the remaining 39.4 miles would be decommissioned and earmarked for reclamation. Under this alternative, routes in the BLM recognized Jeep Safari trail system would remain designated for OHV use.

Recommended Alternatives

• Alternative A-No Changes to existing trail system.
• Alternative D-52 miles closed, but it seems that the most popular trails will remain open.
• Alternative C-Closes many connecting routes, and there are still many discrepancies where BLM GIS and pdf data do not agree. Part of the 7 Mile Rim EJS will be closed, as well as connecting routes to Courthouse Rock, Tusher Canyon, and Major Point, and Mineral Canyon trail.
• Alternative B-Would close over 400 miles of trails, including the most popular trails listed above.