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BLM to open short scoping period for Wedge/Buckhorn campsite plan; proposes phased campground and parking changes
Summary
BLM staff told the Emery County Public Lands Council they will open a brief public scoping period next week for a management plan at the Wedge and Buckhorn Draw; proposed actions include phased construction of developed campgrounds, new parking and closures of dispersed rim camping.
BLM staff told the Emery County Public Lands Council they intend to open a short public scoping period next week on a management proposal for the Wedge and Buckhorn Draw that would add developed campgrounds, parking and trail connections and restrict dispersed camping on the rim.
The proposal, described by BLM staff, aims to shift dispersed camping away from sensitive rim areas and concentrate overnight use at developed sites nearer the road. Jayden (BLM staff) showed a conceptual layout that would ultimately provide roughly 40 developed campsites across two new campground areas — built in phases — plus group sites, day‑use parking and connector trails to existing overlooks and trailheads. “We’re actually proposing to build a campground back off the road a little bit…that’s what we’re gonna do our NEPA for so that we can not have to redo this 10 years down the road,” the presenter said.
Nut graf: The proposal is intended to reduce resource damage and safety hazards caused by dispersed rim camping and to provide clearer visitor facilities; BLM plans a brief scoping window, an open house in Emery County and phased construction if public input and environmental review support the work.
Key elements the BLM described include: - Phased campground construction in areas identified as less resource‑sensitive, with initial phases sized to allow expansion if demand and environmental review support it. The full conceptual footprint shown to the council would yield approximately 40 campsites when complete, with an initial smaller buildout possible. - Reconfiguring rim‑side parking and restricting camping at immediate overlook rims; a major parking area and larger vault toilets would serve the primary overlook while camping shifts to the new developed loops. - Enhanced day‑use parking, improved restroom facilities, and designated staging for equestrian and bike users. The BLM said they intend to include ADA improvements at overlooks. - Fee authority for developed campsites: staff noted a business plan approved in 2020 identified the wedge as a fee area; developed campsites would likely be $15 per night while group sites could be reserved under established fee limits (up to $75 for group sites, current practice typically less).
BLM staff said they have coordinated with partner groups including ranchers, Backcountry Horsemen, mountain‑bike and OHV user groups and recent RAC (Recreation Advisory Council) discussions. The agency plans to post a short news release and run a 15‑day scoping period, then hold an open house in Emery County once the scoping notice is public.
Council members raised enforcement and visitor‑management questions, including how the BLM would remove existing fire rings and block newly closed areas; the presenter said camping closures would be phased and enforcement presence increased after camping alternatives are in place. Staff also said signage and a higher enforcement presence would be used to support new closures.
Ending: The BLM asked the council to encourage public comments during the scoping window and offered a formal open house once the scoping notice is published. Officials said they will publish the scoping notice as soon as possible and return with more detail at follow‑up meetings.
