The Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG) has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment for the Pitkin Travel Proposal which is now available for review and comment.
The Proposed Action Alternative includes the following elements: 1) reopen Powderhouse (NFSR 763.1C) 4.96 miles of road; 2) reopen Tollgate Gulch (NFSR 802.2A) 3.34 miles of road and 3) change the designation for the South Quartz Creek Trail (NFSR 769.2C/NFST 483) from open to motorized vehicles to 50” or less to open to motorized vehicles 50” or greater 2.58 miles of trail.
The Agency Preferred Alternative includes the following elements: 1) reopen Powderhouse (NFSR 763.1C) 4.96 miles of road; 2) change the designation for the South Quartz Creek Trail (NFSR 769.2C/NFST 483) from open to motorized vehicles to 50” or less to open to motorized vehicles 50” or greater 2.58 miles of trail; and 3) close and reclaim the North Bald Pitkin Cutoff Trail (NFST 649) 1.4 miles of trail.
All alternatives would include physically closing and reclaiming routes determined to be closed during the 2010 Gunnison Basin Travel Management Plan or though the decisions related to this project and any illegal user-created spur routes in the project area.
Comments on the Draft EA will be accepted for 30 days following the publication date of the opportunity to comment legal notice in the Gunnison Country Times (the newspaper of record) or by April 7 2018 whichever is later per 36 CFR 218.25(a)1(i). Those wishing to comment should not rely upon dates or timeframe information provided by any other source.
To be most effective when submitting comments please include: (1) name address email address and organization represented if any; (2) the title of the project for which the comment is being submitted; and (3) specific facts concerns or issues and supporting reasons for the Responsible Official to consider.
The Forest Service values public participation. Comments including anonymous comments will be accepted at any time. However comments posted after the close of a designated comment period may not be able to be given full consideration. Anonymous comments and comments submitted after the close of the final designated comment period will not provide the commenter objection eligibility. Comments received including the names and addresses of those who comment will become part of the public record for this project and will be subject to review pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act.
Pamela King
