Because of the popularity of forest recreation from the West Fork to Rico, the San Juan National Forest has decided a travel management plan will undergo a more rigorous Environmental Impact Study.
Derek Padilla, Dolores district ranger, said the EIS was needed because the lesser environmental assessment study requires a finding of "no significant impact," which is impractical.
"To avoid an argument on a 'no significant impact' finding, we elevated it to an EIS," he said. "An EIS has more of a focus toward mitigating impacts to the landscape."
A draft EIS is expected by this summer, said forest planner Debbie Kill, and is part of a process required under National Environmental Policy Act.
A proposed action for travel management on the section of forest was released in December. Proposed closures and time restrictions for single-track motorized use wqere criticized by motorized users but supported by anglers and hunters.
Kill said an EIS gives the public management scenarios to review.
"Based on comments from the public, we will draw up alternatives to the proposed action that will be included in the draft EIS," she said.
In June, a report was released framing concerns from 276 written responses from the public. It can be accessed at http://bit.ly/1T3Fvgn
Comment highlights
Closing Ryman Creek, Bear Creek and others to single-track motorized eliminates loop opportunities, and reduces less technical riding options.
"The lower Bear Creek trail provides two great loop opportunities that would not exist if the lower four miles were closed to motorized," the writer stated.
The plan needs a hiking emphasis. If motorcycles are allowed, there will be an emphasis on motorcycles and a de-emphasis on other uses.
The plan discourages use of old logging roads in Black Mesa.
"This is a huge closure," the writer stated. "Black Mesa is a gorgeous trail ride, and OHV access should not be removed."
A hunter wrote that he depends on Black Mesa motorized trails to access hunting grounds and will not return if they are closed.
Another said ATV use on Black Mesa "causes elk to leave the area and spoils hunting."
Noise from motorized users is bad for anglers.
"Bear Creek is a unique mountain forest area and one of the only drainages of its kind without a road running through it," the writer stated.
Another stated that opening the Spring Creek trail to motorcycles threatens a waterway classified as Colorado Outstanding Waters with a pure strain of native cutthroat trout.
The plan proposes closing single-track motorized from Sept. 9 through June 30 to eliminate overlap with big-game hunting and calving seasons.
A writer pointed out that the restriction does not help the earlier bow season, and suggests that the closure begin on Aug. 15.
Another wrote that the restriction reduces time to clear trails of deadfall in June, leading to trail braiding.
Another said the motorized timing restrictions are in place when there is no hunting season from Sept. 9 to mid-November.
A writer stated that the plan does not address user-created routes in riparian areas of Willow Creek and Fish Creek.
"Illegal motorized use is one of the largest fishery impacts in this area," a writer stated.
A writer stated that closing Wildcat, Horse Creek, and Burnett trails to motorcycles, would prevent an emergency exit from the Calico Ridgeline to Colorado 145.
Horse riders said that motorcycles startle their horses.
The Burnett Trail needs improvement to be a loop for mountain bikers to Calico and Wildcat trails.
A Rico writer said the plan doesn't provide easy access to Rico for motorcycles, thereby lessening revenues for stores, restaurants, and hotels. Another said a jeep closure to Engle Cabin limits maintenance needs.
A Rico resident at Expectation Mountain stated that "for many years our neighborhood has been quiet. In the last several years, we have noticed a significant increase in 4-wheelers and dirt bikes."
The proposed action fails to use education to address conflict such as fostering an understanding of acceptable recreational uses and facilitating tolerance for users.
After the draft EIS is released, an open house will be held to present the information, with a 45-day comment period. A Record of Decision is expected by the end of the year.
