A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF OURAY COUNTY, COLORADO URGING THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT TO RECONSIDER ITS REDISTRICTING OF SAN JUAN COUNTY
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Ouray County, Colorado (“Board”) has become aware of the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) decision to re-define its Colorado districts, and as part of that redistricting has removed San Juan County from the Southwest District, with field office at the Tres Rios location in Durango and assigned San Juan County, a neighboring county to Ouray County, to the Rocky Mountain District (formerly known as the Front Range District), with field offices in Gunnison and Canon City; and WHEREAS, Ouray County recognizes that policy, land use, travel management or development decisions by one land owner or agency can affect similar decisions by adjacent land owners or agencies, even when such decisions are "administrative".
WHEREAS, Ouray County desires the BLM to recognize that coordination, communication, cooperation and collaboration between federal land managers and local governments maximizes the resources available to each entity, and enhances our collective abilities to provide safe and enjoyable recreational opportunity for locals and visitors to the San Juan Mountains region, and provides gateway communities with greater opportunities to achieve social, economic, and environmental goals.
WHEREAS, Past coordination, communication, cooperation and collaboration between the BLM Tres Rios Field Office; BLM Gunnison Field Office; San Juan National Forest; Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forest; Colorado Parks and Wildlife; San Juan, Ouray, San Miguel and Hinsdale Counties; and numerous stakeholder organizations has resulted in partnerships to increase safety and resource protection on the high-country road system connecting the four counties;
WHEREAS, Past coordination, communication, cooperation and collaboration on administrative decisions potentially affecting the high country road system intersecting the four counties have allowed the federal-county collaborative to provide a suite of services and opportunities to public lands users that cannot be provided by either the BLM, USFS, or Counties alone through separate efforts, such as increased sanitation facilities, informational brochures, and safety and resource protection provided by the successful Alpine Ranger program (see Attachment A);
WHEREAS, the Board wishes to express it concern with the BLM's administrative redistricting decision on several grounds, including: 1) The four counties of the several interconnecting 4-Wheel Drive county roads known collectively as the Alpine Loop, San Juan, Hinsdale, San Miguel and Ouray, have worked closely together to coordinate OHV rules and regulations, maintenance and oversight among the four jurisdictions, as well as the federal agencies with lands to manage in the area. 2) The BLM considers the "Alpine Loop" to be only a subset of the actual larger San Juan Mountain High Alpine 4-Wheel Drive road system connecting the four counties (see Attachment B) physically, culturally, and economically. The 4-Wheel Drive road system connects lands having BLM surface, USFS surface, private surface and other surface estate ownership. 3) These coordination efforts are most easily accomplished when the federal agency personnel with jurisdiction for managed lands in the area are the same for all four counties; and 4) After implementation of this redistricting, any permitting or other action items for review or approval would require coordination with a more distant BLM district, multiple national forests, and associated field office personnel who will be less familiar with Resource Management Plans, Forest Plans, local governments, and
Resolution 2016-043 Page 1 of 2 stakeholder groups providing valuable funding and volunteer efforts, delaying and complicating decisions regarding recreational uses, roads and events in the four county area; and WHEREAS, the Board is profoundly disappointed that the BLM took this action with no input from or discussion with the communities and county partners involved, including San Juan County and Ouray County; and WHEREAS, the four counties, including Ouray County, have supported the federal land management agencies, including BLM, in rejecting calls from members of the public for federally managed lands to be conveyed to the states, at least in part due to the many promises and representations by BLM and the US Forest Service that they would work closely with the local communities and public in making land use decisions (see Attachment C); and WHEREAS, this type of unilateral decision and lack of understanding of the impacts to partners of their administrative decision by BLM undermines the credibility of the federal land management agencies regarding their statements about the importance of local consultation and cooperation, making it difficult for elected county officials to rebut the concerns of members of the public advocating for state ownership and control of federally managed lands; and WHEREAS, this unilateral decision by BLM to redistrict San Juan County is a good example of the type of action that members of the public have decried in asking for conveyance of federally managed lands to the state.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF OURAY COUNTY, COLORADO, that BLM is strongly urged to: 1) Reconsider its decision to reassign San Juan County to the Front Range Rocky Mountain District, and to hold public meetings to hear from the public and elected officials of the four related counties the reasons that this decision should be reversed. 2) Adopt and implement policies to ensure that local government input is solicited on matters that may affect them prior to an agency decision. 3) Recognize that what the BLM manages as the "“Alpine Loop” is just a subset of a connected road system that also connects gateway communities and its holistic management is vital for user safety, alpine resource protection, snow plowing and access, and for the cultural, social and economic welfare of the four counties. 4) Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the four San Juan Mountains High Country Alpine Road counties in the San Juan mountains, as well as partners and stakeholders, confirming, among other things, BLM’s continued participation in two meetings a year to discuss and cooperatively solve problems related to the high country roads in the four-county area.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS _____ DAY OF ______, 2016.
Voting for: Voting against:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF OURAY COUNTY, COLORADO
Attest: Lynn M. Padgett, Chair
Ben Tisdel, Vice-Chair
Michelle Nauer, Clerk and Recorder Don Batchelder, Commissioner By: Hannah Hollenbeck, Deputy Clerk of the Board Resolution 2016-043 Page 2 of 2
Attachment A: Alpine Ranger Documentation
Resolution 2016-043 Page 3 of 2
Exhibit A
CITIZEN-PROPOSED ISSUE PAPER Date: ISSUE: This petition, jointly sponsored by the Boards of County Commissioners of Hinsdale, Ouray, San Juan, and San Miguel Counties, respectfully requests that the Parks and Wildlife Commission Amend #504 of its Off-Highway Vehicle Regulations to recognize the validity of the Petitioners’ adopted Off-Highway Vehicle Ordinances DISCUSSION (FACTS AND FIGURES, EXPLANATION OF ISSUE): During the past several years the Boards of County Commissioners of Hinsdale, Ouray, San Juan and San Miguel Counties (“BOCC”) have enacted ordinances pursuant to their authority under §33-14.5-108 and 110, C.R.S., regulating the operation of Off-Highway Vehicles (“OHV”) on public roads under their jurisdiction. A copy of each county’s adopted OHV ordinances is attached to this petition and incorporated herein by reference. These county ordinances apply to the operation of OHVs on designated county public roads located within the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado that include numerous extremely rugged, primitive, and hazardous four wheel drive high mountain pass roads. These county designated OHV routes include the Alpine Loop roads between Ouray, Silverton and Lake City (Engineer and Cinnamon Passes) , as well as Imogene, Black Bear, and Ophir Pass roads located in San Miguel, Ouray, and San Juan counties.
In response to concerns over public safety arising from several serious accidents involving both motor vehicles and OHVs that occurred on the high mountain pass road located in these counties, beginning in 2001 the Hinsdale, Ouray, San Juan, and San Miguel BOCCs have enacted ordinances requiring that the operators of OHVs possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and/or maintain at least the minimum level of liability insurance coverage required by the Colorado Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law, Title 42, Article 7, C.R.S. Ouray and San Miguel Counties enacted the OHV ordinances following consultation with the USDA Forest Service, the federal agency responsible for administering much of the public land that the county designated OHV routes traverse. Both Ouray and San Miguel Counties have entered into agreements with the USDA Forest Service authorizing it to patrol those designated OHV routes located on land it administers and to enforce their OHV ordinances. A copy of those agreements is attached to this petition and incorporated herein by reference.
Several years following the counties’ enactment of their OHV ordinances, Division officials advised county representatives that the county adopted OHV ordinances are inconsistent with the Division’s OHV regulation #504 (2CCR 405-1, Chapter 5). Regulation #504 authorizes persons age ten or older, who are not eligible for a motor vehicle operator’s license, to operate OHVs on public roads in Colorado that have been designated as OHV
Resolution 2012-016 - Exhibit A Page 1 of 6 routes, provided the OHV operator is accompanied by and under the immediate supervision of a person possessing a valid driver’s license. The regulation defines the phrase “under immediate supervision to mean that, “at a minimum, the unlicensed operator is within direct visual contact of the licensed supervisor.”
The Division’s adopted OHV regulations do not either address or require OHV owners to maintain motor vehicle liability insurance coverage that complies with Colorado statutory requirements for motor vehicles when their OHV is operated on county designated public road OHV routes. Division officials have advised county representatives that county ordinances imposing such liability insurance requirements are inconsistent with regulation #504.
Section 33-14.5-110, C.R.S. provides that counties may adopt OHV regulations that are “not inconsistent with the provisions of this article and the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.” In order for the Division to find that the county OHV ordinances are consistent with regulation #504 the counties request that the Commission amend the regulation to provide a limited exception permitting the counties’ OHV ordinances, specifically including the requirement that OHV operators have a valid driver’s license and OHV liability insurance in effect that satisfies the Colorado Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility statute. The grounds for recognizing these county adopted ordinances is that they apply to county roads in mountainous areas with extremely dangerous and steep terrain, in sharp contrast to the terrain of other plains areas of the state where Regulation #504 is more suitable.
The following statistical information pertains to public safety issues associated with OHV operations on high mountain pass roads in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado that occurred in San Juan and Hinsdale counties, both of which directly employ seasonal Alpine Rangers.
Hinsdale County (2007-2011) Summons Issued 7 – Drove ATV where prohibited; 4 – Fictitious plates on ATVs; 2 – No mandatory minimum liability insurance (both vehicles involved in accidents); 1 – Drove ATV while license under restraint. Accidents 13 ATV accidents;, 2 Fatalities. Warnings-Written 11 – Minor allowed to operate ATV; 12 – No Colorado State Parks sticker; 17 – No proof of insurance; 43 – Operated ATV where prohibited.
San Juan County (2011) Summons/Citations Issued – 3; Verbal Warnings – 15; Written Warnings – 7; Total Contacts – 2,404. Accidents (Serious Bodily Injuries – 2, Fatalities – 1.
Ouray – San Miguel Counties (USDA – FS Alpine Ranger Program) Resolution 2012-016 - Exhibit A Page 2 of 6
Attached are statistics regarding USDA FS Alpine Ranger Programs OHV related contacts, summons/citations/warnings issued, and accidents responded to, compiled by USDA FS Ouray Ranger District, the agency that currently administers the program that has been in effect since 2005.
WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THIS ISSUE? HAVE YOU COMMUNICATED WITH ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES? WHAT INPUT HAVE YOU RECEIVED? The Petitioners have consulted with officials of the USDA Forest Service regarding this petition. In recent years Forest Service officials have applied for grants from Division’s OHV State Trail grant fund to assist in paying for the costs associated with their agency’s Alpine OHV Ranger program. This program includes patrolling the high mountain pass roads that are subject to the county’s OHV ordinances. The Forest Service has indicated that the Division has refused to fund those grant applications. Among the reasons the Division has given for not approving the grant application is that the Alpine OHV Ranger Program is associated with the counties’ OHV ordinances that the Division maintains are inconsistent with its regulation #504 and, therefore, exceed the county’s statutory authority.
The Petitioners have also consulted with the following OHV user’s groups regarding this issue: These OHV user groups have indicated that they support the petitioning counties OHV ordinances and the requested amendment to regulation #504.
ALTERNATIVES: PLEASE INDICATE THE PROBABLE OUTCOME IF THIS PETITION IS ACCEPTED, AS WELL AS THE IMPACT OF ALTERNATIVES TO THIS PETITION: Increased cooperation and collaboration between the petitioners, the USDA FS, and the DPW with regard to various OHV issues, including, but not limited to, being determined eligible to receive grant funding to support the USDA FS Alpine OHV Ranger Program
PETITION PROPOSED BY: Hinsdale, Ouray, San Juan, and San Miguel Counties, acting by and through their Boards of County Commissioners PETITION WRITTEN BY: Steven J. Zwick, San Miguel County Attorney, in consultation with Michael O’Loughlin, Hinsdale County Attorney; Martha Phillips Whitmore, Ouray County Attorney, and Paul Sunderland, San Juan County Attorney DATE SENT TO THE
COMMISSION:
Resolution 2012-016 - Exhibit A Page 3 of 6 ALPINE RANGER DATA 2005-2011
Year No. Contacts No. Reasons for Citations No. No. Citations Accidents Fatalities 2005 800-1000 20-25 OHV Underage Operators 5-10 0 OHV Unlicensed Operators OHV Careless Driving OHV Driving Off Designated Routes Camping in Non Designated Camping Areas County Ordinance Violations
2006 Over 1000 20-25 OHV Underage Operators 6-8 0 OHV Unlicensed Operators OHV Careless Driving OHV Driving Off Designated Routes Camping in Non Designated Camping Areas County Ordinance Violations
2007 Over 1000 20-25 OHV Underage Operators 6-8 0 OHV Unlicensed Operators OHV Careless Driving OHV Driving Off Designated Routes County Ordinance Violations Camping in Non Designated Camping Areas
Resolution 2012-016 - Exhibit A Page 4 of 6 ALPINE RANGER DATA 2005-2011
2008 Over 1000 20-25 OHV Underage Operators 6-8 0 OHV Unlicensed Operators OHV Careless Driving OHV Driving Off Designated Routes County Ordinance Violations 2009 Over 1500 25-30 OHV In Restricted Areas 6-8 0 OHV Underage Operators County Ordinance Violations OHV Careless Driving Camping in Non Camping Permitted Areas 2010 Over 1500 25-30 OHV Underage Operators 6-10 1 OHV Unlicensed Operators OHV Careless Driving OHV Driving Off Designated Routes County Ordinance Violations 2011 Over 1500 25-30 OHV Expired Registration 6-10 0 OHV Current Permit issues OHV Expired License Plate Issues OHV Careless Driving OHV Driving Off Designated Routes
Other Misc. Facts Please note that numbers are approximate Most Violations are Colorado Residents Rangers said that many accidents go unreported because the parties take private vehicles to the hospital and official reports are not made
Resolution 2012-016 - Exhibit A Page 5 of 6 Alpine Ranger Annual Report 2014
This is my fourth and last annual report. I have very much enjoyed the past four summers serving the residents and guests of San Juan, Hinsdale and San Miguel Counties. I have retired as of the end of the 2014 season but will remain involved with the program to the extent desired by the program managers. In cooperation with San Juan County Commissioner Pete McKay, when asked I will help define job criteria and pass on software programs used to produce statistics and reports. Many thanks to those who have funded, supervised or otherwise participated in this program. The thousands of visitors I was privileged to serve were a special benefit of this job.
The Numbers:
The statistics for the last four seasons tell the story as quickly and accurately as possible.
2011 2012 2013 2014 Totals
Days on Duty 57 73 76 75 281
Miles Driven 3,567 5,383 5,980 5,184 20,114
Contacts 2,404 3,968 4,251 3,608 14,231
Warnings 22 30 19 17 88
Motorist Assists 34 42 30 25 131
Hiker Assists 3 13 4 2 22
Medical Incidents 4 1 6 1 12
The total miles driven for the four years were slightly in excess of 21,000. The difference from the total above is comprised of miles driven to pick up and deliver the squad car and mileage involved in various repair trips most of which were not recorded in Daily logs.
Accomplishments
The program has matured beyond the original scope of enforcement of OHV ordinances although that is still the primary focus of the Ranger’s activities. Possession of a CPW registration sticker or form is very high – somewhat in excess of 95%. Improper OHV driving will always be a problem but it seems to be less and less with each passing year. Distribution of brochures and advice on trip routes are becoming major parts of the program. The new map/brochure produced by the program this year was a big hit with the visitors and should be continued. Commissioner McKay did a great job of guiding that project to a successful conclusion.
Improper parking or driving off‐road will continue to be a problem but this seems to be less each year. Improved signage at oft‐violated spaces would probably help. Grizzly Gulch in Hinsdale County is the most often violated area and there are no signs at all in the immediate vicinity. Law Enforcement Officer assistance is not an official part of this program but has been provided as needed and requested by Sheriff’s Officers in San Juan and Hinsdale Counties. The potential to assist Sheriff’s Officers and BLM Rangers should provide incentive to insist that this be an armed position with the Ranger regularly qualifying duty weapons with one of the Sheriff’s Offices.
The roads in the Alpine Loop have been greatly improved in 2014 and the Ranger has assisted where possible with identifying areas that pose travel problems or safety risks. Recent work by San Juan and Hinsdale Counties has significantly improved the Loop roads – particularly on the roads leading to Ophir, Engineer and Cinnamon passes.
Problems and Opportunities
We will never eliminate off‐road driving and parking but in cooperation with the BLM, we can minimize it and educate the potential offenders. Better signage at key locations is one necessary improvement. BLM is aware of this and hopefully will be addressing it soon. I list this as both an accomplishment and a problem because it is better but will probably never completely go away.
The venerable 2001 Jeep Cherokee squad car has cost more than $3,000 this year to maintain. That seems to be too much to spend on a vehicle with a market value of a few thousand at best. It is my recommendation that a Jeep Wrangler (4 door, 4WD) be obtained to replace the Cherokee. I do not think that the Rubicon package is necessary particularly when considering it costs another $6‐7,000.
The recent CPW grant for $8,000 for signage will be a great aid in better Loop communications. Commissioner McKay has the lead on designing and installing these signs/kiosks and I have agreed to assist as requested. It is thought that we can install six signs with these funds at the main entrances to the Alpine Loop: HCR 30 (road to Cinnamon Pass), HCR 20 (road to Engineer Pass), SJCR2 to Animas Forks, SJCR 110 to Animas Forks, Corkscrew Pass and Imogene Pass. Additional signs should be placed at other key locations in the four counties where OHV drivers (and licensed vehicle drivers) can access the Alpine Loop. Written in plain English (no legal speak) and attractively presented, these signs and information kiosks can go a long way to educating our visitors as to proper conduct in the Loop area.
A new Alpine Ranger should be hired well in advance of next season. I recommend that this person be stationed in either Silverton or Lake City and instructed to patrol both counties as equally as possible. If San Miguel continues to participate in the program, specific route responsibilities should be agreed upon. This person should carry a fire arm and be regularly qualified in its use. Prior law enforcement experience and medical certification (EMT, WFR etc.) would be preferred. I carried a car full of personal gear which I used frequently. This should probably be furnished by the program. Those items would include such things as a complete medical kit, 12 volt air pump, 4 way wheel lug tool, MRE’s, extra toilet paper, battery jumper cables, blankets and spare clothes, ropes and bungee cords and many more small things that help when a problem is encountered at 12,000 feet in communication dead zones.
Conclusion
It has been a great four years for me to serve as the Alpine Ranger. I appreciate that opportunity and stand ready to help as requested in advising the program supporters and supervisors in the future. Thanks again to all of you who are important participants in this program.
Tom Reyburn, Alpine Ranger September 22, 2014 Snowy commute home on HCR 20 6/8/14
“What sign that said no vehicles past this point?”
“So, you mean all those barriers mean I should not have driven 117 feet off the road???”
Springtime in the Rockies. Engineer Pass 6/14/14
“Did I cut that one a little close?” There were three passengers in the vehicle when this picture was taken. The Jeep was successfully pulled back onto the road and the passengers were all happy. SJ Road and Bridge fixed this problem when requested by rebuilding the road out to the ends of the pipe.
ALPINE RANGER 2013 (EASr-SIIN :rVANjH/NSDl9i.t! ) Expenditures Final Revenue Personnel 10,647.14 Name Amount Check # Date Fuel 1,563.37 New Venture Fund $500 Dec· 12 Vehicle Maintenance 2,413.14 Trails Preservation Alliance $150 1445 3/26/2013 Recertification 225.00 Trails Preservation Alliance $150 1446 3/31/2013 Supplies 202.09 Uncompahgre Valley Trail Riders $300 2255 4/12/2013 Total 15,050.74 Gunnison Gorge Anglers $250 1237 4/19/2013 Public Access Preservation Association $300 50000000 4/26/2013 Western Slope 4·Wheelers $300 1184 4/27/2013 Trout Unlimited Five Rivers Chapter $250 498 5/13/2013 Colorado Jeep Trail Tours, Inc Mild to Wild $100 10282 5/14/2013 Trout Unlimited, Inc $500 41082 5/15/2013 Elkhorn Resort, Inc $200 1595 5/18/2013 Pleasant View Resort Rocky Mountain Jeep Rentals $300 2584 6/26/2013 The Sportsman Outdoors & Fly Shop $200 7258 7/7/2013 BLM $2,000 Hinsdale County $5,000 San Juan County $5,000 $15,500
/' 2013 ALPINE RANGER ANNUAL REPORT
June 1 – Sept. 14, 2013
Ouray County
Patrol Areas: Canyon Creek E. Ophir Corkscrew Trailhead Engineer Trailhead Corkscrew Road Lower Engineer E. Black Bear Yankee Boy Basin E. Imogene
San Miguel County
Patrol Areas: W. Black Bear W. Imogene Bridal Veil W. Ophir
San Juan County
Patrol Areas: E. Black Bear Lower Poughkeepsie E. Ophir
OURAY SAN MIGUEL SAN JUAN TOTAL COUNTY COUNTY COUNTY Contacts 628 111 15 754 Residents 387 79 10 476 Non‐Residents 241 32 5 278 Patrol Days 30 11 5 46 Citations 5 2 0 7 Warning Notices 4 4 0 8 Verbal Warnings 11 7 1 19 Miles Driven 3,439
SEASON SUMMARY
Jeepers, 4‐wheelers, and motorcyclists enjoyed another great season in the San Juan backcountry. Families, clubs, friends, and individuals are delighted to enjoy a network of roads that take them into some of the most spectacular scenery in North America.
OHV use continues to surge. The number of contacts increased 65% over last year. Registration, permit, and/or license plate compliance is approximately 97% in the region. Non‐compliance is most often a result of confusion regarding the laws, rather than intentional disregard.
UTV (side‐by‐side) usage continues to increase. UTV numbers are nearly equal to 4‐ wheelers. UTVs allow more passengers and more family enjoyment.
Theft, vandalism, and damage of backcountry signs continue to be a problem. Replacement signs should be kept in storage and installed ASAP after theft or damage. However, funding is often lacking for replacement signage, which is a struggle.
Tour drivers assist the Alpine Ranger by reporting violations.
The staging area at the Engineer Pass Road and Highway 550 can be very congested on the busiest days. Limited parking at this site forced many riders to start at Corkscrew. The Corkscrew staging area functions very well, but a toilet is badly needed.
Speeding and careless driving continue to be a concern. In general, motorcyclists tend to ride faster than the other backcountry motorists.
Mining operations along Canyon Creek increased, but no serious problems were reported. Evidently, recreationists are becoming accustomed to seeing mine traffic and heavy equipment. Heavy equipment operators are driving carefully.
Off‐road and OHV clubs continue to provide important partnerships to land managers and valuable liaison with riders in the field. The Wild Bunch Jeep Club installed new signs on Imogene Pass and Ophir Pass in June.
Bulletin boards at trailheads should display consistent, accurate OHV information. If another facility is nearby (e.g. campground) a separate bulletin board should be provided for that facility.
Special events, such as the FJ Cruisers, Jeep Jamboree, and Colorado 500 put unusually high numbers of vehicles and people into the backcountry. The popularity of these events is likely to grow and careful monitoring of the groups is advised to insure compliance with permit(s).
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Improve information provided to OHV owners and riders. Current laws and regulations are confusing. If laws are outdated or confusing, an effort should be undertaken to change them.
Utilize all methods, including signage, bulletin boards, brochures, flyers, posters, websites, etc., to publicize OHV information. Consider a comprehensive, 4‐color brochure similar to the CPW Big Game brochure.
Front‐line employees and volunteers should receive better training on OHV laws and regulations.
Colorado should directly address the legal use of non‐resident OHVs with license plates.
Clear, concise written material is needed ASAP. Use of old, outdated material should be discontinued.
Safety equipment: eye protection recommended!
2014– 2015 OHV Grant Application
Project Selection Criteria
EXHIBIT D-1
Alpine OHV Ambassador Program 1. Need and Benefit of the Project: This grant project will use signing, visitor contacts, travel management, to promote safe, responsible, and courteous trail use on more than seventy miles of OHV routes in southwestern Colorado, including: Imogene Pass, Black Bear Pass, Ophir Pass, Engineer Pass, Tom Boy, Camp Bird, Governor Basin, Alta Road, Last Dollar, Yankee Boy Basin, Portland Basin, Corkscrew Gulch, and Poughkeepsie Gulch. The Forest Service OHV ambassador is a primary element of this grant proposal. The OHV ambassador will provide a vital public service by offering accurate trail information, roadside assistance in the case of vehicle breakdowns, and a communication relay during emergencies. The ambassador is often the first person on the scene to address or report rockslides, mudslides, hiking and/or OHV accidents, and vehicle breakdowns. In the past six seasons, the ambassador has been made significant progress in improving visitor compliance with the State OHV registration requirements and in reducing the incidence of resource damage caused by vehicles driving off of designated routes. Having a Forest Service OHV ambassador’s presence on the 4WD routes is critical to addressing these common issues and will improve the recreation experience for all trail users. Funding for this grant proposal is a priority at this time because of the increasing use on our OHV routes coupled with dwindling county and federal budgets. The primary users who will benefit from this grant will be recreationists who drive or ride: four wheel drive vehicles (jeeps, pickups, rock crawlers), ATV’s, UTV’s, and motorcycles. Out of the thousands of contacts made by the OHV Alpine Ambassador during the summer, roughly 75% of those are with OHV riders. 2. Partnerships, Support and Leverage: This grant project has support from the following organizations and entities:
The Wild Bunch 4WD Club Thunder Mountain Wheelers Uncompahgre Trail Riders Western Slope 4Wheelers Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests Ouray Chamber Telluride Off Road Adventures (jeep tour company) Public Access Preservation Association (Motorized user advocacy group) Ouray County COPMOBA (Mountain bike organization) Ride-N-Rentals LLC ( ATV Rental company in Ouray)
The Forest Service (GMUG) will provide the primary cash support to the grant project; funding 25% of the OHV ambassador’s salary, and all supervision, travel/training, uniform, vehicle, and supplies. Ouray County will provide $6000 in Volunteer support at the Ouray Visitor Center and $2800 towards toilet pumping
The Wild Bunch 4WD club and Western Slope 4Wheelers are local four wheel drive clubs who will provide volunteers to install informational and directional signs. Both groups have adopted segments of our local OHV roads (Corkscrew, Poughkeepsie, Engineer, Black Bear, and Ophir roads) and have provided consistent and enthusiastic volunteer assistance on signing, installing kiosks, and restoration projects. The GMUG and the Ouray Chamber have developed a very successful volunteer “interpreter” program at the Ouray Visitor Center. Forest Service volunteer interpreters work at the visitor center throughout the summer months, answering questions about camping, OHV rules and regulations, peak bagging, and hiking/riding opportunities. This successful volunteer program has grown each year, with volunteers now staffing the recreation desk seven days per week from June through August. The Forest Service OHV ambassador assists in volunteer recruiting, training, and overseeing the program. The following table summarizes the in-kind contributions that will be committed as a match towards our grant application: Table 1. Summary of In-Kind Contributions for the Alpine OHV Ambassador Program
In-Kind Contribution Description Source of Value of Contribution Contribution
Alpine Ambassador annual leave, uniform, salary, and Forest Service $1,800.00 supplies Alpine Ambassador Supervision Forest Service $3,465.00 Alpine Ambassador Vehicle monthly cost and mileage Forest Service $2,500.00 Toilet pumping (porta- johns up Canyon Crk. Rd.) Ouray County $2,000.00 Toilet pumping (Thistledown) Forest Service $1,000.00 Toilet pumping (Angel Creek) Forest Service $1,400.00 Volunteer interpreters stationed in the Ouray Visitor Ouray Visitor $6,000.00 Center who provide recreation/trail information to the Center public. (7 volunteers X 40 hours each @ standard $20.85/hour volunteer rate) Total In-Kind Contributions $ 18,165.00
3. Resource Protection, Enhancement and Restoration relative to eligible OHV grant activities This grant project promotes the management of sensitive alpine tundra, wetland habitat, and meadow habitat by installing travel management signing that will discourage vehicles from driving into these fragile areas. Project Illustration F-6 (attached) shows an example of several wetland areas along the Black Bear Road (Ingram Basin) that have been impacted by vehicles. Past signing efforts have been surprisingly successful in reducing motorized traffic in similar areas along our OHV routes. 4. Travel Management Plan Implementation, Education and Enforcement Travel Management: The grant project will incorporate travel management signing on roads and trails, install control structures, travel management information on kiosks, Alpine Loop Brochure (shows open routes for OHV and jeep use) Education The Alpine OHV Ambassador Program is unique in its strong education components, including:
OHV Ambassador Visitor Contacts: As previously mentioned, the OHV ambassador’s duties emphasize education over law enforcement. For example, during his field contacts, the ambassador will offer visitors educational materials such as free maps and brochures (e.g. MVUM maps, State OHV and Stay the Trail brochures information regarding OHV registration requirements and where to purchase them.
Volunteer Interpreters at the Ouray Visitor Center (described under Item #2): These volunteers provide recreation information while educating the public about natural resource principles embraced by the Leave No Trace, Tread Lightly, and Stay the Trail programs.
Enforcement and Compliance Activities
Law enforcement and compliance activities will be handled by the Forest Service LEO, (Law Enforcement Officer). His function in regards to law enforcement is to obtain compliance through education and information. State and Federal regulations are utilized for enforcement. Historically, most of the violations or tickets issued by the OHV ambassador have been for lack of State OHV registration. The OHV ambassador will periodically accompany Forest Service and/or Ridgway State Park commissioned law enforcement officers on patrols in problem areas. The OHV ambassador will be expected to document all significant compliance issues for later discussion with his/her supervisor. Those that can’t be resolved by his contacting the user and providing them with the necessary information will be relayed to the LEO for further investigation. Attachment B: High Country Road System Map & Alpine Road System Brochure
From Ouray County Plaindealer, August 18, 2016 & August 25, 2016 showing San Juan Mountain High Country Alpine Road System within the four counties (San Juan, Ouray, San Miguel, and Hinsdale).
Resolution 2016-043 Page 1 of 2
Attachment C: Resolutions In Support Of Federal Public Lands
Resolution 2016-043 Page 2 of 2 RECEPTION#. 214085, 0512712015.1033534 PM, 1 OF 2 PAGES, MICHELLE NAUER OURAY COUNTY. CO CLERK& RECORDER Resolution #2015-014
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Ouray County, Colorado STATING THE VALUE OF PUBLIC LANDS TO OURAY COUNTY'S ECONOMY, RECREATION, HERITAGE, AND QUALITY OF LIFE, AND SUPPORTING CONTINUED FEDERAL OWNERSHIP OF FEDERAL PUBLIC LANDS
WHEREAS, Ouray County includes a unique wealth of scenic and wild natural landscapes, including mountains, rivers, forests, lakes, basins and plateaus; and
WHEREAS, most such natural landscapes within the county are federal public lands owned equally by all Americans; and
WHEREAS, public lands under the management of the U.S. Forest Service and the U,S. Bureau of Land Management comprise 46% of the land surface in Ouray County; and
WHEREAS, these federally administered public lands are essential to the quality of life in Ouray County, providing extensive public recreational opportunities for wildlife watching, hiking, hunting, fishing, backpacking, horseback riding, skiing, ice climbing, bicycling, sightseeing, and numerous other outdoor recreational activities, thereby improving the health of our community and its visitors; and
WHEREAS, these same federally administered public lands provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife; and
WHEREAS, fish and wildlife and the exceptionally scenic landscapes of Ouray County's federal public lands attract the outdoor recreation and tourism that are the dominant drivers of Ouray County's thriving economy; and
WHEREAS, the unified, experienced and consistent management of federally administrated public lands by the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Bureau of Land Management across the nation best protects the national value and utility of the public lands for all Americans and the values on which the economy in Ouray County are dependent; and
WHEREAS, Ouray county's attraction to businesses, employers, quality employees, and the tourists who are a significant component of our economy overwhelmingly owes to the high quality of life arising from the expansive wild landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities available on surrounding federally managed public lands; and
WHEREAS, Ouray County's agricultural industry has traditionally relied heavily on public-lands grazing of sheep and cattle; and
WHEREAS, we believe that management of our federal public lands and wildlife via long established collaborative approaches in which federal public land management agencies cooperate with the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, Colorado State Forest Service, Ouray County officials, and the community are more likely to produce effective landscape-wide management than would ownership or management of federal public lands by the state of Colorado; and
WHEREAS, Ouray County residents actively collaborate among diverse interests and with public land managers to improve equitable public land management and public access; and
WHEREAS, federal public land management agencies directly and indirectly employ many full time residents of Ouray County, contributing significantly to the fiscal and social health of the county; and
Reso!w;otJ 20/5-0/4 . Page I 0/2 Resolution #2015-014
WHEREAS, Americans from throughout the country value federal public lands as a distinctly prideful part of our national heritage, no matter in which state we live; and
WHEREAS, owing to ongoing drought and insect infestations, forests in Ouray County are increasingly prone to wildfire, including periodic large-scale fires; and
WHEREAS, federal money, manpower, aircraft and other specialized fire prevention and firefighting assets are essential to protecting our communities, infrastructure and public lands are unavailable at the state and county levels; and
WHEREAS, we recognize that there may be certain circumstances in which the limited transfer of federal public lands under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act may be appropriate and beneficial to local communilies;
NOW, THEREFORE, Be It Resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Ouray County, Colorado, that:
1. The Ouray County Board of County Commissioners strongly supports continued federal land ownership and management in Ouray County, and the irreplaceable value these public lands bring our country's economy, recreation, heritage, and quality of life.
2. The Ouray County Board of County Commissioners enthusiastically commends the dedicated federal employees who manage America's public lands in Ouray County, as well as the dedicated employees of the State of Colorado that mange the fish, wildlife and forests in Ouray County, in partnership with the federal public land managers.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 26 DAY OF May, 2015. Voting for: Commissioners Batchelder, Padgett and Tisdel Voting against:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
" H IIIU'I, OF OURAY COUNTY, COLORADO
00
Lynn M. Pattgett, Vice-Ch ir A?:'- zr:;J Ben Tisdel, Commissioner
Reso/w;oIl2015·014 . Page 2 of2 RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, COLORADO, PUBLICLY STATING THE VALUE OF PUBLIC LANDS TO THE COUNTY'S ECONOMY, RECREATION, HERITAGE, AND QUALITY OF LIFE; AND OPPOSING ANY EFFORT TO CLAIM, TAKE OVER, LITIGATE FOR, OR SELL OFF FEDERAL PUBLIC LANDS WITHIN SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, COLORADO Resolution #2015 - ~
WHEREAS, San Miguel County includes many beautiful, natural landscapes, including mountains, rivers, forests, lakes, basins and plateaus; and
WHEREAS, many of those stunning places are public lands owned by all Americans; and
WHEREAS, public land under the management of the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Bureau of Land Management constitutes more than 60% of the land 'in San Miguel County; and
WHEREAS, these federal public lands are essential to the quality of life in San Miguel County, providing public recreational opportunity for wildlife watching, hiking, hunting, fishing, backpacking, horseback riding, skiing, bicycling, sightseeing, and numerous other outdoor recreational activities; and
WHEREAS, these federal public lands provide essential habitat for wildlife; and
WHEREAS, wildlife and the scenic landscape on public lands attract outdoor recreation and tourism that are the dominant drivers of San Miguel County's economy; and
WHEREAS, the unified, consistent management of Federal land by the Federal Land Agencies across the nation best protects the national value and utility of the public lands for all Americans and the values on which the economy in San Miguel County is dependent; and
WHEREAS, San Miguel County business owners attract employees in large part because of the iconic landscape and recreational opportunities on federal public lands; and
WHEREAS, San Miguel County's agricultlll'e industry includes numerous ranchers and sheepherders who depend on grazing on federal public land; and
WHEREAS, there is a broad consensus in San Miguel County of the need for effective management of our federal public lands and wildlife, and that collaborative approaches in which federal public land management agencies cooperate with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, San Miguel County officials, and our community are more likely to produce effective management than would ownership or management of federal public lands by the state of Colorado; and
WHEREAS, San Miguel County residents are actively collaborating among diverse interests and with public land managers to improve public land management and public access; and
WHEREAS, federal public land management agencies employ residents of San Miguel County who are passionate and expelt at their jobs, despite lack of adequate federal funding, pay taxes, and contribute to our community; and
WHEREAS, Americans from throughout the counlty value these public lands as a palt of our national herilage and as our inalienable bio1hrighl as Americans; and
WHEREAS, San Miguel County's foresls are naturally prone to fire, including periodic large-scale fires, as part of the ecosystem in which they have evolved over millennia, although a warming climate has accenluated the process; aud
WHEREAS, federal money and expertise to suppress wildfires IS esseutial to protecting our communities, infrastructure, and public lands.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of San Miguel County, Colorado, as follows:
That the Board of County Commissioners opposes any effort to claim, take over, litigate for, or sell off federal public lands within San Miguel County except pursuant to legislative processes established by Congress in the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, National Environmenlal Policy Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and other applicable federal laws, following public parlicipation and site-based analysis of the wildlife, ecological and community implications of the proposed land transfer.
NOW, THEREFOUE, BE IT UESOLVED by Ihe Board of Commissioners of San Miguel Counly, Colorado, as follows:
1. The Board of County Commissioners strongly supports federal land management in San Miguel County and the irreplaceable value public lands bring to our county's economy, recrealion, heritage, and quality of life.
2. The Board of County Commissioners enthusiastically commends the dedicated federal employees who manage America's public lands in San Miguel County, and the dedicated employees of Colorado Parks and Wildlife who manage wildlife in San Miguel County, in parlnership wilh Ihe federal public land managers.
DONE AND APPUOVED by the Board of Commissioners of San Miguel County, Colorado, at a duly noticed public meeting held in Telluride, Colorado, on March 25,2014.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, COLROADO
Joan
A
Jolll H ebner, Ch,ef Deputy Clerk to Ihe Board
VOTE: Joan May Nay Abstain Absent Elaine R.C. Fischer 'e Nay Abstain Absent Art Goodtimes ~Aye Nay Abstain Absent 2 Attachment D: Redistricting Correspondence Between San Juan County and BLM
Resolution 2016-043 Page 3 of 2 SAN JUAN COUNTY COLORADO 1557 GREENE STREET P.O. BOX 466 SILVERTON, COLORADO 81433 PHONEIFAX 970-387-5766 [email protected]
May 20, 2016
Director Ruth Welch BLM Colorado State Office 2850 Y oungfield Street Lakewood, Colorado 80215-7093
Dear Director Welch:
San Juan County has learned that a proposal has been submitted that would move San Juan County form the Tres Rios Field Office to the Gunnison Office. Additionally, this proposal would remove us from the Montrose District Office to the Canon City District Office. San Juan County is very concerned that this proposed change will place an increased burden on the community while decreasing service. It is about a 2 lIour drive to Trcs Rios, Gunnison is a 3 hour drive over Red Mountain Pass. It is less than 2 hour to drive to Montrose while the drive to Canon City is more than 5 hours.
We strongly believe that this increased driving time will result in a substantial reduction of service. Historically, the BLM bas been very receptive to travel to Silverton from Montrose or Tres Rios to attend Commissioner Meetings, Public Hearings or meet-wiili the general. publ ic when requested. Over the years we have had numerous meetings with the District Manager and the Pield Manager. We suspect that the proposed change will ubstantially reduce BLM's availability to have management attend these meetings. Tell hOUT of driving Or a trip over Red Mountain Pass in the winter prove to be a strong deterrent.
Even if BLM is willing to make the commitment that management and other necessary staff will be available to meet in San Juan County as necessary there is still the increased burden that is placed upon our community. Over the years staff, permit applicants and the community at large have traveled to meet with BLM to discuss land management issues. Our County is 87% public .lands and we spend a considerable amount of time working with federal agencies. Both the BLM and the County have invested a considerable amount of time and effort in developing a good working relationship. We appreciate the effort that Connie Clementson and the staff at the Tres Rios Office has contributed to the community. It would be unfortunate to lose all of that time and effort that has been invested.
Finally, we are disappointed that you have proposed an action that we feel could have a very adverse impact upon our county without notifying us or giving us an opportunity to express our concerns. We would ask that you reconsider your proposal.
Thank you for your consideration of this important issue. United States Department of the Interior BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT Colorudo State Office 2850 Younglicld Street Lakewood, Colorado 80215-7210 www.co.blm.gov
In Reply Refer To: JUN 0 6 2016 1202 (CO-950)
San Juan County Commission 1557 Greene St., P.O. Box 466 Silverton, CO 81433
Dear San Juan County Commissioners:
Thank you for your interest in the Bureau of Land Management Colorado's proposal to realign our district boundaries to better balance our organization with the resources we manage.
Prior to this realignment, our Northwest District was larger than our Southwest and Front Range districts combined. The disparity in district size posed challenges to our management of public lands in Colorado. Realigning our boundaries will help us most efficiently carry out our multiple-use mission by balancing the size of our organization across the state.
As part of this realih'Ilment, we will consolidate management of the Alpine Loop in the Gunnison Field Office. Managing this large, contiguous block of public land in one field office within a single district will be most effective for our organization and for the public. The Alpine Loop has become a prominent recreation destination that we believe can be most effectively managed from a single field office within a single district.
This decision will not impact BLM resources on the ground. We will continue to manage resources in your area as we have in the past, and no employees will be required to relocate as a result ofthe realignment. BLM employees in Silverton will continue to be stationed in Silverton. As district and field office boundaries change, employees may be shared or zoned across the new boundaries to complete important work. We will work closely with San Juan County to ensure that you continue to receive the service you have come to expect from the BLM.
We remain committed to engaging your community in all our public planning and decision making processes. We rely on your coordination and participation in our land management efforts to ensure we are successful stewards of Colorado's public lands, and we will continue to do so after we proceed with these organizational changes this year.
Finally, I appreciate the invitation to visit San Juan County and will plan on meeting with San Juan County later this summer. Front District Manager Tom Heinlein, Gunnison Field Manager Elijah Waters and Tres Rios Field Manager Connie Clementson will attend the June 15,2016, 2 meeting with San Juan County. I hope this will provide an additional opportunity to answer any questions you have and to ensure that San Juan County and the BLM continue to enjoy a productive partnership.
If you have any questions or need additional in formation, please contact Front Range District Manager Tom Heinlein at (719) 269-8554 or Gunnison Field Manager Elijah Waters at (970) 642-4941.
Sincerely,
~uth Welch t2: - BLM Colorado State Director SAN JUAN COUNTY COLORADO 1557 GREENE STREET P.O. BOX 466 SILVERTON, COLORADO 81433 PHONEIFAX 970-387-5766 [email protected]
.lilly 11, 2016
Director Ruth Welch BLM Colorado State Office 2850 Y oungfield Street Lakewood, Colorado 80215-7093
Dear Director Welch:
The San Juan County Commissioners request that you reconsider you decision to move us from the Tres Rios Field Office to the Gunnison Field Office and to the Front Range District. We believe this will have an adverse impact upon San Juan County, our citizens, our visitors and ultimately the public lands.
First we question the ability of the Gunnison Office to maintain the level of service we have been provided from the Tres Rios. If Gunnison has the extra staffing capacity to take on the burden of the BLM resources located within San Juan County we would suggest that you move that capacity to this side of the mountain. It is more likely that the Gunnison Office is already overworked and understaffed and the add ition of San Juan County will just increase tbeir workload.
If this is simply a method to better balance your resources would it not be more feasible to redistribute your resources in a more equitable manner. This appears to be a case of bringing the mountains to Mohammad rather than bringing Mohammad to the mountains. Simply changing the name from the Front Range District to the Rocky Mountain District will not make those who work there experts on the issues and needs of the public lands in the mountains of Southwest Colorado.
Second we believe this action will limit our accessibility to BLM management. It is unlikely, given the physical barriers and distances that we will have the same access and accountability we have had experienced with the Tres Rios and Southwest District Managers. Currently, the Field Manager meets with the Commissioners on a quarterly basis and willing to meet as needed as issues arise. The Southwest District Manager has attended numerous meetings in Silverton when requested. Over the years we have created a good working relationship not only with the managers but with staff as well. Public lands account for more than 87% of San Juan County and are a vital component of our tourist based economy_ It is critical that we maintain a strong working partnership with the Federal Land Agencies not only to protect our economy but also our quality of life.
The success of the Alpine Loop is dependent upon a good working relationship with the Federal Land Agencies and San Juan, Hinsdale and Ouray Counties. Unfortunately because of the distance and barriers it may be extremely difficult if not impossible for San Juan County to duplicate our current working partnership with the Gunnison and Canon City Offices.
Additionally, BLM needs to have a good working relationship with the San Juan National Forest. Resource management of the upper Animas Basin needs to be a shared responsibility of the BLM and Forest Service. It should be pointed out that it was only because of the working relationships and partnerships between BLM, Forest Service San Juan County the motorized and non-motorized groups that we were able to achieve the Hermosa Creek Legislation. It should also be noted that as significant as the Alpine Loop is, it is not the only BLM lands within San Juan County. In fact there is a considerable amount ofBLM lands throughout San Juan County. While the Alpine Loop and other four wheeled drive roads provide a wonderful summer playground there are many locations that experience a heavy winter recreational use. This includes Silverton Mountain's extreme ski area, helicopter skiing, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. These areas will not be easily accessible from Gunnison. Will these public lands receive the attention and resources that they deserve?
We would also like to know what changes will occur as we move from the management plans of the Tres Rios to the management plans of the Gunnison Office. What assurances will we have that we will be involved in future management plans? Once again will the physical barriers and distance put the burden on us to attend community meetings on the other side of the mountain? What kind of representation will we have on a resource advisory council (RAC)? We have no connections with the Front Range RAC. Because of our political, economic and recreational ties to the south we personally know several members of the Southwest RAC and are comfortable that the needs amI issu~s or San Juan County are being well represented.
Finally, we have spent years working on issues with Tres Rios and before that Service First in Durango that have not been and may never be fully resolved. These issues range from RS2477 roads to sheep protection dogs. How do we continue to address these issues?
We believe the reality is that the Gunnison Field Office has a good working relationship with Hinsdale County and are familiar with the needs, the issues and the concerns on that side of the mountain. They have probably been working together on many issues for years. It is unlikely that we will ever have the same level of access and familiarity on this side of the mountain. It is also likely that this familiarity will result in greater resources being committed to the other side of the mountain.
Thank you for your consideration of this important issue.
Sincerely, ~£i{tL Ernest F. Kuhlman, Chairman
Peter C. MC~'7"~-r-,~_
Scott Fetchenhier 1
Cc: Senator Michael Bennet Senator Cory Gardner Congressman Scott Tipton Governor John Hickenlooper State Senator Ellen Roberts State Representative J. Paul Brown BLM Director Neil Kornze SAN JUAN COUNTY COLORADO 1557 GREENE STREET P.O. BOX 466 SILVERTON, COLORADO 81433 PHONEIFAX 970-387-5766 [email protected]
August 10,2016
Director Ruth Welch BLM Colorado State Office 2850 Youngfield Street Lakewood, Colorado 80215-7093
Dear Director Welch:
The San Juan County Commissioners greatly appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to travel to Silverton to meet with us. We would like to thank District Manager Tom Heinlein, Field Manager Elijah Waters and Steven Hall for attending the meeting as well. We hope that you all understand that any comments made during that meeting were not meant in any way to be a personal attack on any employee of the BLM but to express our concerns that we believe will have an adverse impact upon San Juan County, our citizens, visitors, local economy, ecology and quality of life.
We were extremely disappointed that you did not reconsider your decision to move San Juan County from the Tres Rios District to the Gunnison District. We would ask you once again to please reconsider your decision. While you may be convinced that this is the best solution for the BLM we are more than skeptical that the BLM's management of public lands within San Juan County will continue at the service level we currently experience. At a minimum the increased distance and topography of the area will make the management of these public lands and our access to the land managers inefficient. We have previously demonstrated our support for the continued federal management of our public lands as witnessed by the attached Resolution 2015 - 05 (see attached). I'm sure you are aware of the movement that advocates to sell public lands to private interests or to have it managed by the states. This movement plays on the fears that the BLM is a bureaucracy that cannot be trusted and that they do not listen to the needs of the local community. When a decision is made, such as redistricting, that can have an adverse impact on the community and the community has no voice in the process it only provides additional fuel for those that are opposed to federal land management.
Should you choose to move forward with this change we are fully committed to engage with the BLM Gunnison Field Office and the Front Range District Office to develop a good working partnership. We will take you at your word that we will not experience any adverse impact as a result of this redistricting. We fully expect to be well represented on the Resource Advisory Committee and that adequate opportunities will be provided directly to the community for input on management plans and policy changes that will affect the BLM managed lands within San Juan County. We will also assume that the Gunnison Office will develop a close working partnership not only with San Juan County but with the managers of the San Juan National Forest Service as well. It is critical that the Forest Service, BLM and other federal, state and local agencies are all working in concert as they manage the public lands and Upper Animas Watershed. Finally, we would request scheduling an October 2017 meeting with you and your District and Field Management to evaluate the first year of this district change.
There are numerous issues that have been ongoing with BLM for several years. We are going to make the assumption that the Gunnison District will be able to come up to speed on these issues in a timely manner without adding any burden to our limited resources. One of these issues concerns RS 2477 Roads. Several years ago, prior to Tres Rios, we presented BLM with considerable documentation proving our claim to several RS 2477 Roads. We have never received a response to that submittal. We currently provide road maintenance under an MOU. We support that all backcountry roads currently opened for motorized use remain open for motorized use. We will strongly oppose the closure of any roadway currently opened for motorized use.
The Poughkeepsie Gulch area is very popular with the real "Jeepers" that are looking for a challenge. San Juan County, the State of Colorado and the local 4 wheel drive dubs have spent a considerable amount of time, money and effort to protect the challenge of the "wall" while providing a safer alternative. We have all worked to reduce the environmental impact but there is still a considerable amount of work left to be accomplished and BLM needs to continue their lead on this.
We have worked with the San Juan National Forest and Tres Rios to better control, regulate and track sheep guard dogs. We have concerns that their attacks on hikers, bikers and their pets could have a negative impact to our tourist based economy. Additionally, we have concerns that sheep grazing in general has an adverse impact upon natural resources.
The BLM needs to continue to be a major contributor to the protection and preservation of our cultural resources. We have an amazing Historical Society that works tirelessly to preserve, stabilize and restore the structures and sites of our mining heritage. Many of these legacy mining sites are located on BLM managed land. Some of these sites may require environmental restoration as well. It is critical that the cultural resources are protected during any environmental cleanup and that the structures, mine dumps and sites our preserved to tell the historic story of mining in the San Juan Mountains.
The Town of Silverton has spent several years attempting to complete the Recreation and Public Purpose process for approximately 100 acres that adjoin the Town and is part of their Kendall Mountain Ski Area. At one point we were celebrating with BLM as we thought we were nearing completion of the process but after staffing changes we were required to restart the process.
We have heard that recreation is a strength and benefit of the Gunnison Office. Recreation is a significant component of our tourist based economy. It is critical that every recreation permit be processed in a timely manner while minimizing the fmancial burden of the applicant. We are aware of two major permits currently submitted for your review; helicopter skiing and a zip line. The County has held several public meetings on these two issues. BLM has historically attended these County meetings to measure the support and concerns of the community. I hope this will continue to be the policy of the Gunnison Office.
And fmally, the need for BLM to continue to fmancially support our Alpine Ranger Program and to provide a presence of BLM Law Enforcement is critical. This is important not only on the Alpine Loop but on all of the backcountry roads. The traffic on the 4 wheel drive roads have increased tremendously over the last several years. The increase in OHVs has been incredible. The 4th of July time period and to a lesser extend Labor Day Weekend put a tremendous burden on the backcountry roads. The continued presences of additional BLM Law Enforcement Officers during periods of extremely high use are essential to keeping the backcountry under control. San Juan County is already stretched beyond capacity during these periods. Without BLM's continued presence, the gains that we have made in educating the traveling public to the rules and regulations will be quickly lost. The management of our public lands, the impact they have on our economy and our quality of life are of primary concern to San Juan County. We wish we could say that we are confident that this transition will be seamless and the impacts will be minimal. Unfortunately we are not confident at this time but we truly hope that you prove us wrong. We recognize that we are a small voice when it comes to dealing with the federal government. We expect that this redistricting may work to isolate us from a collective voice with our downstream partners. However, we are no stranger to a David vs. Goliath type battle if it were to become necessary. We spent seven months going head to head with EPA after the Gold King Incident. Of primary concern was having a seat at the table and being able to influence the decisions that were going to affect us. We still feel that redistricting removes us from the table and for some reason we are being punished like a small child begin told to sit in the comer. That being said, 87% of San Juan County is public lands. We have no options but to work as cooperatively with your agency as much as you will allow us to. We will optimistically move forward to work with your BLM to resolve any issue that arises.
Thank you for giving us your time and listening to our issues and concerns. We would also like to express our sincere thanks to Field Manager Connie Clementson and her staff for diligently working with us over the last several years. If you have any questions please contact County Administrator William Tookey at your convenience.
Scott Fetcbenhier San Juan County Commissioners
CC: Senator Michael Bennet Senator Cory Gardner Congressman Scott Tipton Governor John Hickenlooper State Senator Ellen Roberts State Representative J. Paul Brown BLM Director Neil Kornze Resolution 2015 - 05
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF SAN JUAN COUNTY, COLORADO, PUBLICLY STATING THE VALUE OF PUBLIC LANDS TO THE COUNTY'S ECONOMY, RECREATION,IIERITAGE, AND QUALITY OF LIFE, AND OPPOSING ANY EFFORT TO CLAIM, TAKE OVER, LITIGATE FOR, OR SELL OFF FEDERAL PUBLIC LANDS WITHIN SAN JUAN COUNTY AND THE STATE OF COLORADO
WHEREAS, San Juan County includes a unique wealth of scenic and wild natural landscapes, including mountains, rivers, forests, lakes, basins and plateaus; and
WHEREAS, most such landscapes within the county are public lands owned equally by all Americans; and
WHEREAS, public lands under the management of the u.S. Forest Service and the u.S. Bureau of Land Management comprise approximately 87% of the land surface of San Juan County; and
WHEREAS, these federally administered public lands are essential to the quality of life in San Juan County, providing extensive public recreational opportunities for wildlife watching, hiking, hunting, fishing, backpacking, horseback riding, skiing, bicycling, sightseeing, and numerous other outdoor recreational activities; and
WHEREAS, these same federally administered public lands provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife; and
WHEREAS, fish and wildlife and the exceptionally scenic landscapes of San Juan County's federal public lands attract the outdoor recreation and tourism that are the dominant drivers of San Juan County's thriving tourist economy; and
WHEREAS, the unified, deeply experienced, and consistent management of federally administered public lands by the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Bureau of Land Management across the nation best protects the national value and utility of the public lands for all Americans and the values on which the economy in San Juan County are dependent; and
WHEREAS, San Juan County business owners attract employees in large part because of the iconic landscape and recreational opportunities on federal public lands; and
WHEREAS, there is a broad consensus in San Juan County that management of our federal public lands and wildlife via long-established collaborative approaches in which federal public land management agencies cooperate with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, San Juan County officials, and the community are far more likely to produce effective landscape-wide management than would ownership or management of federal public lands by the state of Colorado; and
WHEREAS, San Juan County residents are actively collaborating among diverse interests and with public land managers to improve public land management and public access (witness for example the broad-based coalition that forged the successful Hermosa Creek Wilderness legislation); and WHEREAS, federal public land management agencies employ residents of San Juan County who are passionate and expert at their jobs, despite lack of adequate federal funding, pay taxes, and contribute to our community; and
WHEREAS, Americans from throughout the country value these public lands as a part of our national heritage and as our inalienable birthright as Americans; and
WHEREAS, owing to ongoing drought and insect infestations, forests in San Juan County are increasingly prone to wildfire, including periodic large-scale :fires; and
WHEREAS, federal money and expertise to suppress wildfires is essential to protecting our communities, infrastructure, and public lands.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOL YED by the Board of Commissioners of San Juan County, Colorado, opposes any effort to claim, take over, litigate for, or sell off federal public lands within San Juan County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of San Juan County, Colorado strongly supports continued federal land ownership and management in San Juan Cmmty, and the irreplaceable value these public lands bring to our county's economy, recreation, heritage, and quality of life.
READ, PASSED AND ADOPTED this 22nd day of April, 2015 by the Board of County Commissioners of San Juan County, Colorado. ~/~ Ernest Kuhlman, Chairman
Attest:
Peter McKay
Ladonna L. Jaramillo, Clerk & Recorder
Scott Fetchenhier THE SOUTHWESTERN WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT Developing and Conserving the Waters in the SAN JUAN AND DOLORES RIVERS AND THEIR TRIBUT ARJES IN SOUTHWESTERN COLORADO West Building-841 East Second Avenue DURM'CO, COLORADO 81301 (910) 247-1302 August 16,2016
Director Ruth Welch BLM Colorado State Office 2850 Youngfield Street Lakewood, CO 80215-7093
RE: BLM Colorado District Realignment - San Juan County
Dear Director Welch:
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Southwestern Water Conservation District, I would like to outline several concerns with the decision to realign San Juan County from the jurisdiction of the Tres Rios Field Office in southwestern Colorado to the Gunnison Field Office and the Front Range District. We strongly urge the BLM to reconsider this decision, which we anticipate will undesirably impact coordi nation, collaboration and comprehensive management of water on public lands in San Juan County.
Our District was established by the Colorado legislature to conserve and protect the waters of the San Juan and Dolores Rivers and their tributaries. The Di strict encompasses all of six counties in southwest Colorado, including San Juan County, and parts of three counties. Pursuant to that legislative mandate, the District works in collaboration with BLM and U.S. Forest Service administrators in our region to negotiate the web of water uses in the nine-sub basins in southwestern Colorado. Transitioning San Juan County to Gunnison Field Office management will effecti vely bifurcate the Animas river basin and separate the Animas River headwaters from coordinated management in southwestern Colorado.
[n addition, we share concerns expressed by San Juan County Commissioners that geographical barriers wi ll likely make public lands management more challenging and resource intensive from the Gunnison Field Office, more than three hours away. The effective working relationships that have developed between public land managers and stakeholders in the Animas river basin will take time to rebuild with a new office, and policies will no doubt suffer as a result.
We respectfully request the BLM Colorado Office convey the concerns of Silverton, San Juan County and the broader southwestern Colorado communities to deci sion makers and request their reconsideration of the BLM Colorado District realignment in the San Juan Mountains.
Sincerely, 1D~~~~-./ Bruce Whitehead Executive Director