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BLM, Forest Service and partners brief county on staffing, recreation, trail projects and dispersed camping changes
Summary
Federal land‑management partners updated commissioners on staffing authorizations, seasonal hires, the vehicle‑based dispersed camping decision timeline, Excel line rebuild EA progress, and trail projects funded by Great American Outdoors Act money; BLM and USFS asked to coordinate on landfill, Hardrock Mine permitting and wilderness‑designation outreach.
BLM, Forest Service and other federal agency staff briefed Chaffee County commissioners after the meeting resumed at 1:15 p.m., providing updates on staffing, recreation management and several projects affecting the county.
BLM field manager Doug Mayes reported persistent staffing vacancies (about 35%) but said the agency was authorized to hire six seasonal employees this year and has funding for recreation work; Turtle Rock Campground produced solid revenue last season and some work to refine dispersed‑camping management in the Shavano area is underway. Mayes asked county staff to coordinate on landfill questions, pending right‑of‑way reviews, and the Hardrock Mine federal permit process.
Forest Service staff (Destiny Chapman, sitting in for the district ranger) clarified that recent federal reorganization affecting wildland fire authorities does not transfer the Forest Service itself to a different agency (congressional action would be required). The Forest Service plans to hire seasonal non‑motorized trails crew members, is providing technical assistance on the Browns Canyon wilderness proposal, and issued a scoping letter for the Bald Mountain hazardous fuels reduction project.
Other updates: agencies said a decision on designated, vehicle‑based dispersed campsites could be issued by the end of the week (public notice and NEPA steps will follow). The Excel line rebuild is at a draft EA stage and a proposed developed campground near Pine Creek (State Land Board land) may have indirect implications for forest management and outfitters. Funding from the Great American Outdoors Act may support additional trail work (Shavano and potential projects on Columbia and Princeton peaks).
Next steps: agencies will circulate decision notices and press releases as appropriate; county and agency staff agreed to continue coordination, set administrative meetings on landfill/right‑of‑way issues, and keep commissioners apprised of public meetings and permit timelines.
