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BLM update to San Miguel County highlights Gunnison sage‑grouse access issues, mining activity and upcoming hauling at Sunday Mine
Summary
A BLM field office update described options for U29 road access in Dry Creek Basin—possible reroute reduced from 4 miles to 1 mile or a seasonal closure—plus current mining activity and plans for hauling at the Sunday Mine beginning by March 1.
Representatives from the Bureau of Land Management updated the San Miguel County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 12 about Gunnison sage‑grouse habitat concerns, potential access changes to U29 in the Dry Creek Basin, and current mining activity in the county.
Derek Padilla (BLM) reported follow-up on a previously discussed reroute for U29 and said the office had received a proposal from the county wildlife biologist, Nathaniel West, for a new, shorter reroute. Derek said he had not yet heard back from BLM staff about the proposal but welcomed an on-site meeting. BLM’s Star (surname not provided) recommended an initial meeting to evaluate whether a road closure could be a feasible alternative to a reroute.
"The original reroute was about 4 miles long, whereas the new reroute is about a mile long," Derek reported, summarizing the wildlife biologist's field work. Commissioners and staff favored an initial online meeting to assess whether a temporary or seasonal closure could achieve the same conservation goals with fewer costs and logistics than a long reroute.
Padilla and county staff also briefed the board on mining activity in the county. Key points: - The Sunday Mine complex has two active plans of operations and is conducting underground mining; county staff reported the operator has filed for a hauling permit and indicated hauling needs to begin by March 1 to meet a contract with mills. Kaye (county staff) confirmed a road-and-bridge permit is in place and staff intend to issue a haul permit so hauling could begin by the end of the month. - The county has six active uranium‑vanadium notices (exploratory activity) and several prospecting permits for potash; the county has not been notified that companies intend to begin full commercial operations at those sites. - There are four gravel pits in the area (one private, two in Dolores County and one in San Miguel County); Dry Creek and TGH Stone were identified specifically.
Padilla closed by inviting a site meeting if the closure alternative was deemed necessary following the initial discussions. County commissioners and BLM staff agreed to schedule follow-up conversations and, if appropriate, site visits.
No formal actions were taken; the matter will proceed informally via staff-level coordination, an initial online meeting among BLM and county staff, and possible future field visits to assess mitigation measures.
