North Fruita Desert Plan released
GRAND JUNCTION—Just north of Fruita, 72,235
acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management bring
thousands of people every year to enjoy single-track trails, hiking and
horseback riding. Now a new Resource Management Plan amendment will
protect resources while balancing recreational needs.
"This plan is the result of years of
collaboration between the local community and the BLM on the future of one
of Colorado’s favorite recreation areas," Grand Junction Field Manager
Catherine Robertson said. "We’ve struck a balance between the experiences
people want and protecting the resource for the enjoyment of future
generations."
A socio-economic analysis by the BLM found
that the North Fruita Desert Area generates $693,000 annually in local
spending, supporting 33 jobs. Ninety percent of this local economic impact
is attributed to mountain biking. By 2020, the North Fruita Desert Area
may generate more than $1.5 million and support 66 jobs.
Highlights of the plan include:
· 5,298-acre bicycle area closed to
motorized recreation
· 435-acre OHV area designated for
open/cross country travel
· Kiosks providing information about rules
and routes will be placed at every major entry point.
· Creation of 8.5 miles of new single
track.
· Closure of 65 miles of routes, most of
which are unsustainable or dead-end trails. Some closed routes encouraged
trespass on private property.
· Construction of a trailhead near the OHV
open area with access to a 251-mile designated loop system available to
all users.
· Improvements to the campground located
near the mountain bike area trailhead.
Between 2000 and 2004, the BLM hosted 20
public meetings to help formulate the plan. Increases in recreation,
particularly mountain biking, prompted the planning effort.
"The proliferation of user-created bicycle
trails and increased impacts to the resources in the area led to the
current plan," said Britta Laub, BLM Grand Junction Recreation Planner.
"We have struck a balance between sustainable recreation and being good
stewards of the North Fruita Desert."
The North Fruita Desert Citizen Ad-Hoc
Committee drove the planning effort. Sanctioned by the BLM’s Northwest
Colorado Resource Advisory Council, this group included representatives
from the Sierra Club, Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Assoc., Mesa
County Cycling Assoc., Bookcliff Rattlers Motorcycle Club, Colorado
Environmental Coalition, Western Slope ATV Assoc., City of Fruita,
Colorado State Parks, landowners, grazing permittees, and other
recreational interests.
The final plan is available at the BLM
Grand Junction Field Office at 2815 H Rd. or online at
www.co.blm.gov/gjra. Questions or
comments regarding the final plan should be addressed to Jim Cooper at
970-244-3047, or James_Cooper@co.blm.gov;
or to Britta Laub at 970-244-3031, or Britta_Laub@co.blm.gov;
or by mail at 2815 H Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81506.
- BLM -
