GMUG Seeks Input on Proposed Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Ouray Ranger District is seeking public comment on the draft Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan Environmental Assessment (EA).

The primary purpose of the proposed plan is to provide comprehensive management of visitors and to reduce visitor impacts for 16,200 acres within the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness and surrounding areas, including Mt. Sneffels Peak, Yankee Boy Basin, Blaine Basin and the lower East Dallas area. The draft EA includes a limited permit system for overnight and day use for Blue Lakes Trail, Lower Blue Lake and Upper Blue Lake – both high alpine lakes that have seen a surge in popularity over the last decade. Other key features of the plan include components addressing visitor impacts to the area for camping and human waste disposal.

“The goal of this plan is to have people be able to enjoy their public lands and maintain the experience they came here for,” said GMUG Ouray District Ranger Dana Gardunio. “The proposed permit system and management tools are critical to enabling us to effectively manage, restore and protect this cherished area.”

The Ouray Ranger District is hosting an open house to discuss this proposal Nov. 6, 2023, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Ouray County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 22739 Hwy 550, Ridgway, Colorado. Members of the public and other interested parties are encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposal, speak to project specialists and get answers to questions.

More information about the proposal and how to submit a comment can be found on the project website. Comments must be received or postmarked no later than 45 days after the publishing of the legal notice in the Montrose Daily Press or Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, whichever publishes later. Comments may be submitted via:

Online: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61979

Mail or hand delivery: Ouray Ranger District Attn: Dana Gardunio, 2505 South Townsend Ave., Montrose, CO 81401



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