Recreation Group Urges Common Sense Approach To Grouse Management
This planning effort has the potential to significantly impact motorized recreation in the 11 states where the Grouse currently exist.
POCATELLO, ID (March 26)--The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), a national trail-based recreation group, submitted formal scoping comments on the proposed BLM's 2010 Sage Grouse Planning Strategy. BRC believes this planning effort has the potential to significantly impact motorized recreation in the 11 states where the Grouse currently exist. The formal public comment period ended on March 23, 2012.
In addition the BLM has published two Instruction Memorandums that will provide interim conservation policies and procedures for agency field level operations. These will also have the potential to greatly impact all aspects of motorized recreation, from traditional camping, hunting and fishing access to access for photography, bird watching, mountain bicycling, and especially permitted OHV events.
Don Amador, Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, stated, "I believe it is critically important for motorized recreationists to be actively engaged in grouse-related planning efforts. Access interests are still feeling the impact of a similar landscape level planning effort 20 years ago in the Pacific Northwest related to protection of the Northern Spotted Owl."
"BRC believes the agency should avoid using a 'broad sweep of the brush' management prescription. Instead, it should use a more 'common sense' approach in order to minimize the impacts on both the Grouse and the recreating public. Local land managers should also be heavily involved with the motorized public to establish achievable goals for protection of the Grouse to mitigate potential affects upon recreation through closure of existing, inventoried and managed routes." Amador concludes.
BRC's Comment Letter
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Sage_Grouse_BRC_scoping_comments3.20.12.pdf
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The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible recreation, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. With members in all 50 states, BRC is focused on building enthusiast involvement with organizational efforts through membership, outreach, education, and collaboration among recreationists. 1-800-BlueRib - www.sharetrails.org
