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BLM staff brief committee on Keg Noll airstrip EA and possible TMP reconsiderations
Summary
BLM staff told the Trails Committee the agency is preparing an environmental assessment for the Keg Noll airstrip and may re‑examine some routes in San Rafael TMPs following Moab reassessments; litigation remains ongoing on parts of the TMPs.
A BLM official (speaker S3) briefed the Emery County Trails Committee on two planning issues that could affect recreation management in the San Rafael area: an environmental assessment (EA) directed to consider reopening the Keg Noll airstrip and potential reconsideration of some routes in the San Rafael Travel Management Plans (TMPs), following similar reassessments in Moab.
On the Keg Noll airstrip, the speaker said the agency has considered options including siting outside the wilderness boundary, cherry‑stem alternatives and a possible wilderness exception based on pre‑existing routes; they reported the cherry‑stem and boundary‑adjustment options raised erosion and maintenance concerns and that the agency plans to rely on the exception that meets statutory criteria and to prepare an EA. “We believe that meets the criteria and that’s the way we’re gonna scribe it,” the speaker said.
On the TMPs, the BLM speaker warned that Moab’s reassessment process and ongoing litigation could prompt similar relook at the San Rafael TMPs over the next six months. The committee heard that signs implementing prior TMP decisions remain in place while litigation continues.
The BLM representative said more detail will be forthcoming as the EA and analyses proceed and encouraged continued coordination with county stakeholders.
