According to news release sent over recently from the BlueRibbon Coalition, the San Juan National Forest Dolores Ranger District in Colorado is extending the public comment period on the draft environmental analysis for the Rico-West Dolores Roads and Trails Travel Management Project. The project area is located north of Dolores, Colorado, and includes the Bear Creek, Taylor Mesa, Calico National Recreation Trail, Bolam Pass, the Divide road and Groundhog Point areas.

A 45-day comment period that began on Friday, May 6, was originally scheduled to end on June 20, 2016.  This date has been extended to July 15, 2016, (an additional 25 days). Copies of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement can be obtained at the Dolores Public Lands Office or by visiting the website below. Five alternatives address motor-vehicle use on San Juan National Forest roads and trails.

The BlueRibbon Coalition and Sharetrails.org has worked closely on this project with local partners including the Trails Preservation Alliance and San Juan Trail Riders (SJTR).  SJTR has detailed information, including their comments outlining Alternative C (modified) which could receive support from SJTR and other engaged riders with suitable changes as outlined.  More information and the SJTR comments can be viewed at http://sanjuantrailriders.org.

The electronic comment form will remain available on the San Juan National Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44918. In lieu of the website’s electronic comment form, comments may also be submitted in hard-copy format to Dolores Public Lands Office, 29211 Hwy. 184, Dolores, CO 81323 or faxed to the office at 970-882-6841.  Comments, including names and addresses, will become part of the public record.

For more information from the Forest Service project lead, please contact Debbie Kill at 970-882-6822 or by email at dkill@fs.fed.us.