Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

Gunnison Travel Management

In accordance with the Travel Management Rule, announced in 2005, the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management is jointly preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) to establish a forest wide system of designated routes and areas for motorized travel for the Gunnison Basin.

In 2006, the BLM and Forest Service began working with the public and other agencies in a continuation of the travel planning effort. This involved more detailed analysis and decisions to designate routes open to mechanized and motorized vehicles for summer, spring and fall uses. The plan would also designate vehicle class and season of use for various routes. In 2006, an interdisciplinary team began evaluating all the routes on the Forest using that process. Reviews by Forest Service and BLM staff continued through 2007. The Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS was published on May 2, 2007, with a public scoping period extending through August 31, 2007. The final EIS for the Gunnison Basin Travel Plan is expected to be completed in 2009.The draft will be released in December 2008.

Where are we now?
We anticipate the released of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for public review and comment in December 2008. Public meetings will be scheduled in Paonia, Gunnison, Crested Butte, and Lake City. The DEIS, maps and public meeting information will be on this web site.

Travel Plan Maps

Draft EIS maps - not available at this time

Proposed Action maps – July 2007

Primary Transportation System maps- July 2006

Green to Yellow (Interim Travel Decision) -January 2001

Proposed Action - Routes proposed to remain open for motorized travel and those that were proposed for non-motorized (hiker/horse) and/or mechanized (mountain bike) travel in May 2007.

Travel Plan Timeline - Provides a descriptive outline of the steps involved in the planning process and estimated dates.

Glossary of Terms

Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 32 kb)

Relationship of the Travel Plan to the Forest Plan