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Commission backs BLM comment request for reopening scenic routes and concurs with Lisbon Valley MOA for historic resources
Summary
The commission approved a county comment letter asking BLM to reconsider closures in the Labyrinth Canyon travel management plan and concurred as a party on a Section 106 memorandum of agreement for the Lisbon Valley mine plan modification addressing historic resources and treatment procedures.
San Juan County staff asked the commission on Oct. 21 to approve two public‑lands actions: a comment letter seeking reconsideration of road closures in the BLM Labyrinth Canyon/Gemini Bridge travel management plan, and concurrence as a party to a memorandum of agreement (MOA) addressing potential effects to historic properties from a proposed Lisbon Valley mine plan modification.
Nick, the county’s public‑lands staffer, explained that the Labyrinth Canyon/Gemini Bridge travel planning area includes a narrow strip of northern San Juan County and that four roads providing overlooks and dispersed camping were closed in the 2023 plan. He said the county’s letter asks BLM to reopen two of those roads that provide access to scenic overlooks of Taylor Canyon and Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky district. Commissioners moved to approve the comment letter.
On the Lisbon Valley matter, Nick said BLM issued a record of decision on Oct. 15. The MOA — developed under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act — sets out measures to avoid, minimize and mitigate adverse effects to historic properties and includes a planned treatment protocol for inadvertently discovered human remains. County staff recommended that San Juan County sign as a concurring party; commissioners approved concurring status. Nick said consulting parties, the State Historic Preservation Office and interested tribes had helped develop the MOA and that a more detailed treatment plan would be completed by the mining company in coordination with BLM and consulting parties.
Both items were approved by voice vote. Commissioners emphasized coordination with tribes and the State Historic Preservation Office on the MOA.
