[Awclist] BLM requesting Feedback

[Mary Scofield]

BLM RIVER ISSUES

There are several issues that BLM is considering that may interest AWC 
members. River access sites Quartzite and County Line on the Rio Grande 
are being renovated (new toilets, re-grading, hardened boat ramps). Both 
sites have locked gates on them until mid April when they should reopen. 
Until then, the sites may be used (on foot) on weekends when 
construction is halted. On weekdays, the river may be accessed from the 
upper parking areas, but the gates should be clear of parked vehicles 
and boaters need to stay clear of construction activities.

On the Taos Box segment of the Rio Grande we have seen much less 
interest from private boaters during the last few years. In 2008, only 
one day had more than 50 private boaters (the private boater allocation 
is 150 per day). In order to allow for public use of the river, BLM is 
proposing an increase in the size of the daily commercial boater “pool” 
to 50. All outfitters who have Box permits would be able to increase 
their launch size by reserving seats out of the pool. If private boater 
numbers return to 100 plus per day on a regular basis then the 
commercial pool would be decreased.

To facilitate trip planning on the Rio Chama, an erasable board would be 
installed at the launch site. Each party would sign up for the 
campsite(s) that they plan to use on Friday and Saturday nights. These 
would not be reservations, but would serve as a tool for groups that 
launch later to understand how many groups are in the canyon and what 
campsites are occupied.

If you have questions or comments about these issues, please contact 
Mark_Sundin at blm.gov, or call 575-551-4720.