In an effort to help boost the number of elk calves that are born and survive until fall each year, the White River National Forest proposes to modify the spring closure dates of the area that contains the Government Trail section from Snowmass to Buttermilk and the Anaerobic Nightmare trail that connects the Tom Blake Trail to the Government Trail.
The proposal would add one week to the seasonal closure changing the spring opening from June 21st to June 28th.
Tom Blake, Sequel and the Snowmass Bike Park trails will still open on June 21st.
RFMBA supports this proposal. And we think a majority of mountain bikers understand the need to respect management decisions focused on healthy ecosystems and a thriving wildlife population.
RFMBA is open to supporting balanced proposals, like this one, that utilize reasonable, science based, and time specific limits on recreation. This proposal has also been reviewed and is supported by the Town of Snowmass Village, Pitkin County’s Open Space & Trails, and the Aspen Skiing Company. Working together, we’ll all help to publicized the revised closure period information.
The USFS warns that if the proposal is implemented, violations of the restriction order would be punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual, $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both.
How to Comment
For more information please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57661 to view maps of the closure areas and corresponding closure periods.
You may comment on this proposal at https://cara.ecosystem‐management.org/Public//CommentInput?Project=57661
Please provide comments by March 16, 2020.
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