BLM-CO Motorized Trail Program, Royal Gorge Field Office

Description

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado's 8.3 million acres of public lands, along with 27 million acres of mineral estate, are concentrated primarily in the western portion of the State. The lands range from alpine tundra, colorful canyons, and mesas in the southwest, to rolling sage-covered hills in the northwest. These public lands play a vital role in providing open space and contribute to Colorado's quality of life. The public lands and resources administered by the BLM are among Colorado's greatest assets, benefitting local communities and our nation. Every year, BLM-managed public lands support thousands of jobs in Colorado and draw millions of visitors. Colorado's public lands support diverse lifestyles and livelihoods on healthy and working landscapes in Colorado's backyard. BLM Colorado's National Conservation Lands encompass approximately one million acres, or one-eighth of all BLM land in the state.In addition, BLM Colorado manages the following: 3 national conservation areas; 53 wilderness study areas; 5 wilderness areas; 1 national historic trail; 1 national scenic trail; and 2 national monuments. Unlike many other recreation destinations, BLM Colorado's public lands are still quite rustic. There are no entrance stations and comparatively few developed recreation areas. BLM Colorado focuses recreation on the visitors' freedom to choose where to go and what to do. More than one-quarter of BLM lands in Colorado are managed specifically for recreation and tourism. About six million visitors per year come to BLM Colorado lands to hike, mountain bike, whitewater raft, camp, and fish. The Royal Gorge Field Office (RGFO), as part of BLM Colorado, administers more than 668,000 surface acres of public land along the Front Range and 6.8 million sub-surface acres. Since the RGFO spans such a large area, it covers a variety of terrain and is involved in a multitude of initiatives, including those activities that provide opportunities to engage and inform the public. The RGFO has miles of motorized trails available for use by the public. BLM Colorado desires a partnership with a cooperator to assist with stewardship activities to promote and preserve dirt bike trial riding opportunities, including motorized recreation on public lands. The use of off-road vehicles is an important facet of recreational opportunities available on public lands. Through this funding opportunity announcement, RGFO seeks a partnership to assist with improving trail conditions, including erosion control and repair, so that all visitors may benefit from an enhanced trail system. This partnership will promote trail safety and educate various user groups regarding trail ethics, including discouraging the proliferation of social or renegade trails that degrade the condition of public lands, including sensitive areas.

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