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BLM to open short scoping period for Wedge campground plan; proposal would add developed sites, parking and fee structure
Summary
BLM staff told the Emery County Public Lands Council they will open a brief public scoping period for a Buckhorn/Wedge camping-management project that proposes phased campground development (initially ~40 sites, conceptual total ~140), closures of rim camping and a $15/night fee for developed sites.
BLM staff on Thursday briefed the Emery County Public Lands Council on a planned scoping period to address increasing dispersed camping and visitor impacts at the Buckhorn/Wedge area.
The agency told the council it will publish a short public scoping notice — expected to be open for roughly 15 days and to begin before the council’s next meeting — to solicit comment on conceptual plans that would shift much of rim and dispersed camping into developed campgrounds and day-use parking. The conceptual design shared with the council shows phased development; staff said initial construction would aim for roughly 40 campsites with the overall planning envelope accommodating up to about 140 sites if later phases are needed.
BLM staff said the proposal includes new parking and restroom facilities near the main overlook, closure of camping on the rim, removal of hundreds of existing fire rings in favored rim spots after developed alternatives are available, connector trails and designated staging areas for equestrian and mountain-bike users. The agency noted some areas have sensitive soils and endangered cactus and plans were laid out to site campsites away from those resources. Staff also said the project would operate as a fee area under an existing business plan and noted a likely $15-per-night rate for developed sites and higher, tiered fees for group sites (currently charged as low as $30 and up to $75).
Council members asked about enforcement and how closures would be implemented. BLM staff said closures would be phased — removing fire rings and increasing patrols once developed alternatives are in place — and that county and law-enforcement coordination would be important for the first years of implementation. Staff also invited the council to submit either a coordinated county comment or individual responses during the scoping period.
The agency indicated it will host an open-house meeting in the county to present the plan in more detail after releasing the scoping announcement. Staff encouraged the council and county partners to share the upcoming news release so affected stakeholders and user groups can provide timely input.
Next steps: BLM to release scoping notice, schedule local open house and accept public comments during the short review window.
