The Gunnison Ranger District is proposing to revise the travel management designation for a portion of National Forest System Road (NFSR) 736, also known as the Farris Creek Road, due to damage to soils and watershed resources. The 3.7 mile road is currently designated as open to all vehicles until a dead-end terminus where Farris Creek Trail 409 begins, which is a motorized single-track trail. The proposed revision would retain the current designation of Farris Creek NFSR 736 as open to all vehicles for the first 1.7 miles from County Road 738, but the remaining two miles would be redesignated as a motorized trail open to motorized vehicles 50” or less in width (e.g., UTV or ATVs). The trail would remain open to ATV/UTV <50”, motorcycle, bicycle, horseback, and foot travel.
Purpose and Need for Action
Over the past decade, recreation use on the Gunnison Ranger District has substantially increased, and NFSRs are receiving substantially increased use from all recreation sectors. There has been significant damage to a wetland area where Ferris Creek Road crosses a habitually wet, low-lying area. Full sized vehicles have created multiple braids and ruts attempting to cross the wet area, causing damage to soils and watershed resources.
The Gunnison Ranger District has identified a need to maintain motorized access along NFSR 736, while protecting natural resources and watershed systems. Changing the designation from a road open to full sized vehicles to a trail open to motorized uses 50” or less will substantially reduce the impact to the wetland, while keeping motorized access to the area and connecting trail NFST 409.
Proposed Action Summary
• NFSR 736 would be converted from a road to a motorized trail between mile points 1.7 and the 3.7 mile terminus, and managed as a class 3 trail as defined in the Forest Service the Trail Fundamentals and Trail Management Objectives publication.
• There are six designated campsites in the vicinity of the project area—four before mile point 1.7 and the proposed redesignation, and two beyond the proposed redesignation that would no longer be accessible with a full-size vehicle. All six designated campsites would remain at their current locations and accessible by the prevailing travel management designations.
• The area of damaged road would be rehabilitated and restored to the trail management objectives according to best management practices to reduce resource damage to wet areas.
• A size restrictor would be installed at mile point 1.7 of the road to prevent continued access by full-size vehicles beyond the point of re-designation.
Nature of Decision to be Made
As Gunnison District Ranger, I am the responsible official for the proposed mode of use revision to the Gunnison Basin Federal Lands Travel Management Plan. After considering the proposed action and any alternatives, as well as any public comments, I will make a decision on whether to redesignate the road as a trail allowing motor vehicles up to 50” in width, or other alternatives identified during scoping. 36 CFR 212.52 provides the authority to revise designations as needed to meet changing conditions and according to the criteria as defined under 36 CFR 212.55(b). This proposal may be categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement because it fits the following category: 36 CFR 220.6(e)20 activities that restore, rehabilitate, or stabilize lands occupied by roads and trails…a to a more natural condition that may include…activities that would restore site productivity and reduce environmental impacts.
Timeline
If the travel management designation is revised, implementation would begin in 2024. Rehabilitation of the damaged soils and re-construction to meet trail management objectives may continue into future years.
Scoping Process
This letter initiates a 30-day scoping period (40 CFR 1501.9) to help us identify resource concerns or alternatives. Please submit comments by December 30, 2023. Comments should clearly articulate your concerns specific to the proposal, including the Purpose and Need, the Proposed Action or other relevant information associated with the project. This notification also serves as the required coordination with local government entities under 36 CFR 212.53. Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record for this project.
How to Submit a Comment
It is highly recommended that comments be submitted online. Electronic attachments to comments (e.g., .doc, .txt, .rtf or .pdf) may also be submitted.
However, handwritten or printed comments may be mailed or delivered to
Gunnison District Ranger
Attn: Emily Nutgrass
216 N Colorado St
Gunnison, CO 81230
For additional questions, please contact Emily Nutgrass, Environmental Coordinator at Emily.nutgrass@usda.gov.
Emily Nutgrass
