The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has announced three travel management planning efforts that will determine how existing motorized routes are managed across more than 816,000 acres of public land in Utah.
The initiatives cover the Trail Canyon area near Kanab, the Dinosaur North area near Vernal, and the Dolores River area managed by the Moab Field Office.
Two of the proposed plans are currently open for public comment. The plan for the Dolores River has released preliminary route alternatives, with a formal comment period expected to begin later this year.
These efforts will evaluate existing routes to determine if they will remain open, receive seasonal or limited designations, or be closed to motorized travel. According to the BLM, the goal is to support balanced multiple use management while implementing Executive Order 14408, which focuses on removing unnecessary and counterproductive restrictions on access to federal lands.
The agency also confirmed that it is continuing work on revisions to federal off-highway vehicle regulations found in 43 CFR Part 8340.
Travel management plans influence recreation locations, event hosting, local business operations, and long-term public land management.
ORBA and SEMA are encouraging members to review the proposals and participate in the public comment periods. The organizations stated that thoughtful, well supported comments help agencies understand how routes are used and why continued access is important to recreationists, local communities, and the outdoor recreation economy.
