Why is BLM taking the approach of actually designating the routes in the plan? What flexibility will there be after the final decision?
Utah BLM has chosen to go beyond the national policy direction related to OHV decisions in RMPs and not only designate areas as open, closed, or limited, but also completing route designations concurrent with the RMP finalization. This is a tremendous undertaking, but we believe it is vitally important in order to eliminate cross-country travel and the pioneering of new routes. While we anticipate there will be route adjustments, additions, and motorized closures in the future (requiring further site-specific analysis), we believe the establishment of a route network that can be implemented on the ground is well worth the effort.
