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.
