Public Comment Sought On Proposed New ATV Safari

ATVs seem to bring out strong feelings in people. Many love them, some hate them. There is a hot war ranging in Utah over whether we should expand or reduce the number of ATV trails and ATV events.

Environmental groups often oppose ATVs in every form, while many residents of southern Utah are fighting to maintain local control of roadways and trails, and pushing for more trails.

Now, the town of Monticello has applied for a special use permit to stage an ATV Safari on BLM land near Monticello and Moab in southeastern Utah. That would include trails in the Canyon Rims area, on the edge of Canyonlands National Park. Some groups are pushing for special protection for lands there.

BLM is seeking public comment on the proposal. Below are details provided by BLM.

BLM Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Recreation Permit in Eastern Utah

Monticello, Utah—The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Utah Monticello Field Office (MFO) today announced opportunities for the public to share comments and ideas relating to a Special Recreation Permit (SRP) application for an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safari in San Juan County.

The BLM is considering a proposal by the City of Monticello, Utah, to host and conduct guided ATV tours on 16 designated routes, also called trails, in areas throughout the Monticello and Moab Field Offices.

The BLM will be preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) on the proposal and invites the public to provide input on preliminary issues and planning criteria for the EA. A reasonable range of alternatives will be developed to respond to identified issues. Each alternative will outline solutions to the issues and concerns identified.

The purpose of the public scoping process is to determine relevant issues that will influence the environmental analysis, including alternatives, and guide the planning process. The public scoping period is open until June 30, 2013.

Additional information about the proposed project is now available for public review and comment on the Environmental Notification Bulletin Board (ENBB) at:

https://www.blm.gov/ut/enbb/index.php; search for project name “ATV Safari.”

Written comments will be accepted by letter or email until June 30, 2013. Please note that the most useful comments are those that identify issues relevant to the proposed action or contain new technical or scientific information. Comments should be as specific as possible. Comments which contain only opinions or preferences will not receive a formal response, but may be considered in the BLM decision-making process. Please reference “2013 ATV Safari” when submitting comments.

Written comments may be mailed or emailed using the following:

Mail:

Bureau of Land Management

Monticello Field Office

Attn: Recreation Program

P.O. Box 7

Monticello, UT 84535