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BLM proposes reroute of U‑29; county and federal staff to assess on‑the‑ground feasibility for sage‑grouse protection
Summary
County staff updated commissioners on a Bureau of Land Management proposal to vacate a section of County Road U‑29 and construct an alternate route to reduce impacts on Gunnison sage‑grouse habitat. Staff will conduct a field assessment and coordinate with CPW and BLM; cost estimates and funding sources remain to be determined.
San Miguel County received an update March 5 about a Bureau of Land Management proposal to vacate a segment of County Road U‑29 and create a shorter reroute that would remove traffic from an area the BLM has identified for Gunnison sage‑grouse protection.
County natural resources staff and BLM representatives described two alternatives discussed previously: a four‑mile reroute and a new one‑mile constructed segment that would link and upgrade existing BLM roads. The BLM’s most recent on‑the‑ground review indicated the shorter reroute could be feasible by upgrading preexisting roads and constructing roughly one mile of new road. County staff noted some of the route uses BLM roads that would need upgrades and drainage features; the new one‑mile segment would require full construction (drainage, culverts, riprap and subgrade preparation).
Staff said the BLM has indicated it will look for funding to develop the reroute and that that agency views the project as beneficial to management in the newly designated ACEC north of the alignment. County staff emphasized that any work will require a ground inspection, coordination with Colorado Parks and Wildlife on wildlife concerns, and a clearer accounting of construction and maintenance costs.
Commissioners discussed the operational implications for county road crews. County road staff estimated that building and upgrading the reroute could occupy the West End crew for much of a summer season; commissioners voiced concern about committing county maintenance capacity and suggested phasing or contracting out the construction if federal funding is available.
Next steps identified in the meeting included an on‑the‑ground site visit with BLM and CPW to confirm feasibility, an assessment of funding options (including BLM contributions and potential contractor work), and a review at the April 4 Gunnison sage‑grouse R.I.S. (Recovery and Implementation Strategy) meeting.
Ending — County staff will perform the field assessment and return with a recommended plan and cost estimate. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate timing with the region’s sage‑grouse discussion and to explore phased construction or external contractors to avoid overburdening county road crews.
