The Salida and Leadville Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands are seeking comments on a proposal to address impacts from vehicle-based dispersed camping on National Forest System lands in Chaffee, Fremont, Saguache, Park, and Lake counties in Colorado.
This public comment period will run through March 20, 2023.
The proposed action is the culmination of input received during the scoping period (January 2021 through May 2022) from interested individuals, organizations, partners, and public land specialists. It includes site-specific actions such as designating campsites and travel routes, adding facilities, or constructing developed campgrounds. It also includes a plan to manage sustainable vehicle-based dispersed camping opportunities into the future through adaptive management. The districts will be hosting an informational meeting, and Forest Service representatives will be available to answer questions at the Community Center in Buena Vista, Colo., on Wed. Feb. 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The proposed action is available to view, and comments can be submitted via the project website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60591. The most useful comments will address effects that may be caused by the proposed action. Written comments may also be delivered in-person, or by mail, and addressed to the district ranger at: Leadville Ranger District office, 810 Front Street, Leadville, CO, 80461 or Salida Ranger District office, 5575 Cleora Road, Salida, CO, 81201.
“This dispersed camping management project is needed to maximize vehicle-based camping opportunities outside of designated campgrounds while minimizing impacts to other resources and uses,” said Salida District Ranger Perry Edwards.
“Sustainable camping and access are driving this project,” said Leadville District Ranger Pat Mercer. “And each area is slightly different. Some areas may have no change or small changes only, while other areas could become developed campgrounds.”
