BLM and Forest Service report staffing constraints, trail work and prescribed‑fire planning

Representatives from the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service reported a season of multiple trail and recreation projects — parking improvements at Burmak trailhead, picnic tables at Brown’s Grotto, the Turtle Rock reservation system and expanded parking for Methodist Mountain — and plans for National Public Lands Day events. They said some repairs were completed through coordination with responsible parties (e.g., Crank and Hammer Trail) and thanked partners such as Smarter Mountain Trails and the National Forest Foundation for materials and volunteer support.

Both agencies said staffing shortages remain a limiting factor for routine maintenance and proactive presence on trails, which contributes to resource damage and dispersed camping challenges in places such as Cash Creek. Forest Service staff said a prescribed burn (133 acres) has held at size based on infrared flights but remains staffed while heat holds; La Plata Peak North Trail is closed while the southeast summit access remains open. They also noted NEPA objection and comment periods for dispersed camping decisions at the Salida landfill planning area are ongoing.

Managers encouraged continued county cooperation for next season’s planning and asked commissioners to notify partner agencies about emerging issues; they said campground hosts, volunteer trail crews and interagency agreements helped expand capacity this year but do not fully replace permanent staff. No new federal actions requiring local legislation were requested at the meeting.