The Bureau of Land Management released a finalized plan for the Henry Mountains. 289 miles of routes will be closed to motorized travel to protect delicate areas, leaving 1,670 miles of routes open/limited to motorized travel, including off-highway vehicles, trucks, and sport utility vehicles.
The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance Conservation group released a statement saying it was “disappointed” in the final plan.
“[T]he BLM’s new travel plan heavily favors motorized vehicles at the expense of natural and cultural resources,” said SUWA staff attorney Laura Peterson. The group pointed out that the plan opens 100 miles of roads previously closed to traffic.
However, some motorized advocacy groups retorted that in their view, the plan closes popular off-road routes
Increasing recreational use has raised concerns about environmental degradation and the preservation of sensitive habitats in the area, informing the BLM’s approach: designating specific routes for motorized vehicles while maintaining access for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
The plan also provides for improved signage as well as ongoing monitoring and adaptive management, which will allow BLM officials to make adjustments as needed based on user feedback.
The BLM is required to complete 11 such travel plans after a 2017 lawsuit settlement. Two weeks ago, the BLM also released a similar plan for road management in the San Rafael Swell.
Key Objectives of the New Travel Management Plan
One of the primary objectives of the Travel Management Plan is to protect the delicate ecosystems found in the Henry Mountains by designating specific routes for motorized travel. This technique of road closure has long been controversial in Utah.
Another significant goal of the plan is to enhance public safety and the overall visitor experience. The designated routes are designed to reduce the likelihood of conflict between different user groups by providing clear guidelines.
Lastly, the Travel Management Plan considers the economic benefits for local communities from the increased visitation that also result in more ecological impact.
See the BLM’s travel management plan for the Henry Mountains.
Revised Jan. 18