[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 79 (Thursday, April 24, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 20021]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-10618]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management
[CO-076-97-1610-00]


Notice of Intent To Amend the Grand Junction Resource Area, 
Resource Management Plan

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent to amend the Grand Junction Resource Area 
Resource Management Plan, 1987 (RMP), to address changes proposed in 
the Gunnison River Bluffs Public Use Plan, 1995, and to designate a 
road as open for motor vehicle use in a currently closed area in the 
Town of Palisade watershed.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and the 
National Environmental Policy Act, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), 
Grand Junction Resource Area, is proposing to amend the Grand Junction 
Resource Area RMP, by adopting those portions of the Gunnison River 
Bluffs Public Use Plan and the Grand Mesa Slopes Management Plan 
pertaining to public lands. These plans were developed through 
collaborative processes that meet the requirements of 43 CFR 1610.5-7.

DATES: An Environmental Assessment and draft Finding Of No Significant 
Impact has been prepared on the proposed amendment and is available for 
public comment from May 1 to June 2, 1997.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Grand Junction Resource Area RMP, 
approved in 1987, is being proposed for amendment to incorporate 
current management plans in the Gunnison River Bluffs and Grand Mesa 
Slopes areas. Public comments received on the Environmental Assessment 
will be considered by the BLM State Director in reaching a decision on 
this proposed amendment. Public notice of the proposed decision will be 
issued following the comment period. Only those who have participated 
in this amendment process will have standing to protest the proposed 
decision.
    The Gunnison River Bluffs Public Use Plan was developed with Mesa 
County, Colorado to address management of about eight square miles of 
county, private, and BLM administered public lands in the vicinity of 
the Gunnison River and the Mesa County Landfill. BLM administered 
public lands in this area had been identified for potential disposal 
and are now being identified for retention or exchange to meet Gunnison 
River Bluffs planning objectives. The BLM administered public lands are 
also being designated as closed to motor vehicle use as part of the 
Gunnison River Bluffs Public Use Plan.
    The Grand Mesa Slopes Management Plan, an 80 square mile ``Open 
Space,'' has also been developed with Mesa County and numerous other 
local governmental entities and landowners. Mesa County, the Town of 
Palisade, and BLM have modified the Grand Mesa Slopes Management Plan 
in the Palisade watershed to allow for motor vehicle travel on the 
``Power Line Road'' to improve access into the Chalk Mountain area, in 
an area that had formerly been designated closed to motor vehicle use.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For comments or additional information 
contact Carlos Sauvage, Realty Specialist, BLM Grand Junction Resource 
Area, 2815 H. Road, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81506, or phone (970) 
244-3022.

    Dated: April 11, 1997.
Mark Morse,
District Manager.
[FR Doc. 97-10618 Filed 4-23-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-JB-M