Recreation Site Analysis 2016

Molas Overlook

The San Juan National Forest has finalized its Recreation Site Analysis (RSA) and Plan of Work for management of the Forest’s 129 developed recreation sites, which range from trailhead parking areas, with very limited development, to full-service recreation facilities with intensive developments, such as drinking water, flush toilets, electrical, and sewage treatment facilities. Across the 1.8-million acre National Forest, the RSA Plan of Work calls for the management of 51 sites to remain as is, 14 sites to receive improvements, and 19 sites to be closed/removed. If all proposed changes were to be made, the anticipated cost savings for operations and maintenance would be about $35,000 per year Forest-wide, or a reduction of about 15% from current costs. The analysis and plan of work represent nearly two years of work incorporating public feedback to best balance the Forest’s projected staffing and funding levels with the interests of our constituents. The goal was to identify a reasonable array of recreation sites that can be managed to high standards and within budget without compromising the quality of services, public safety, or creating undue impacts to natural resources. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis will begin soon to analyze substantial actions to be implemented at identified recreation sites. The public will have the opportunity to comment on how significant changes planned for individual developed recreation sites will be undertaken.

For more information, please contact Mark Lambert, San Juan National Forest Planning and Public Service
(970) 385-1240 or mblambert@fs.fed.us.

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