Hunting and Recreational Shooting Restrictions Proposed on BLM Land!

Public land in south central Colorado near the town of Salida is the subject of a travel management plan (TMP) released by the Bureau of Land Management.  The public comment period is open until  Friday, August 3.  

Within the TMP are recreational shooting closures and a prohibition on the use of motorized vehicles to retrieve game.  The Arkansas River Travel Management Plan (TMP) implements the travel and transportation decisions within the Royal Gorge Resource Management Plan.  It is the TMP that is being amended.  Off-highway vehicle users are the principal focus of the TMP, but sportsmen will be affected as well. 

The TMP lays out a No-Action Alternative and three new management alternatives.  The No-Action Alternative does not close any existing shooting areas and hunters can continue to drive up to 300 feet off roads to retrieve game, a long standing regulation on most BLM and Forest Service lands in the state.  However, all three new management alternatives prohibit the use of motorized vehicles to retrieve game.  Alternatives A and C close Turkey Rock and areas around Salida to target shooting.  Alternative B does not affect existing shooting areas.  

If you hunt, target shoot, use motorized vehicles, hike and/or camp on these public lands, the TMP will affect you.  It is important that BLM hear from you.  The TMP and information on how to submit comments can be found at:  http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/rgfo/travel_mgmt/arkansas_river_travel0.html