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BLM plans NEPA for 'Wedge' that would phase out dispersed camping and add developed campgrounds
Summary
BLM staff told Emery County trail partners they will publish NEPA scoping this spring for a proposal that would phase out dispersed camping in the Wedge, create developed campgrounds and new trailheads, add mountain‑bike singletrack and convert some motorized routes to non‑motorized use.
BLM staff introduced a proposal to manage growing recreation pressure in the Wedge, saying an Environmental Assessment (EA) will be scoping public input in coming weeks and will consider converting widely used dispersed campsites into developed campgrounds and day‑use areas.
The proposal would concentrate parking at the main overlook, move a mountain‑bike trailhead closer to a central portal, construct a single‑track rim trail to keep cyclists off the road, and create a developed campground roughly in the 30–40 acre range near the rim with hardened, defined campsites, pull‑through slots for large rigs and additional vault toilets. BLM staff said plant surveys found more sensitive plants in parts of the proposal area and that the layout could change before final design.
BLM said the plan would include alternatives ranging from a ‘‘do nothing’’ option to more restrictive closures. Under the preferred sequencing BLM described, dispersed‑camping closures would be phased: closures would not take effect until developed camping capacity and associated infrastructure are in place. Staff estimated completing NEPA this year and starting construction next spring, and said they have some grant money available from prior mitigation funding and other sources to help with development.
Committee members raised enforcement and management concerns, asking who would monitor the new campgrounds and whether a paid camp host or increased law‑enforcement presence would be required. BLM staff said a camp host is likely, and that some form of on‑site presence will be needed to manage concentrated use. The agency also noted it plans to sign and paint designated routes and to deploy more kiosk information and signage to keep users on designated trails.
BLM said it will publish the scoping notice (federal register/ePlanning), use social media and local newspapers, and hold at least one community scoping meeting in the region. Staff invited the travel/trails committee and local stakeholders to review scoping materials and submit comments when the notice is posted.
Next steps: BLM will circulate scoping materials and schedule at least one public meeting; a formal NEPA comment period will follow. The committee asked staff to share the scoping publication with local offices and to notify the group when the federal notice is posted.
