6/17 Update: GMUG Working Draft Plan and Upcoming Hikes!

GMUG Working Draft Forest Plan will be released on June 17th, 2019!

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forest is currently undertaking its Forest Plan Revision Process. It is similar to the BLM’s RMP process and will determine how the GMUG forests are managed for the next 15-20 years. The GMUG Preliminary Draft Forest Plan will be released on June 17, 2019.

The USFS has announced two sets of webinars to explain the process and the preliminary plan. The webinars will be broadcast here:

https://usfs.adobeconnect.com/gmug-500/

For audio, please call in to 1-888-844-9904, participant code 8454465#

Part 1 will cover an overview of process, document structure, and key terms, as well as the forest-wide direction.

Tune in to Part 1: June 24th, 2019

9 AM to 11 AM

and

4 PM to 6 PM

Part 2 will cover an abridged overview of structure, management area direction and storymap overview, and monitoring program.

Tune in to Part 2: June 26, 2019

9 AM to 11 AM

and

4 PM to 6 PM

There will be several open houses also available to the public. They are at 5:00-7:00 p.m. on:

• July 9- Hotchkiss, Heritage Hall, 403 East Bridge Street
• July 10- Palisade, Community Center, 120 West 8th Street
• July 11- Montrose, Event Center, 1036 North 7th Street
• July 16- Norwood, Lone Cone Library, 1110 Lucerne Street
• July 17- Ridgway, 4H Center and Fairgrounds, 22739 US-550
• July 18- Gunnison, Fred Field Western Heritage Center, Van Tuyl Room, 275 South Spruce Street

Community Conservation Proposal

WSCC has been working with several other groups to develop the Community Conservation Proposal, a conservation-minded approach that should be adopted by the USFS in their Forest Plan. The Community Proposal, if adopted, would conserve ecosystems that are severely under-protected and vulnerable, protect key habitats for rare and imperiled species, enhance landscape connectivity for species movement and survival, safeguard regional drinking water sources, and provide great outdoor recreation. It includes a combination of recommended Special Management Areas (SMAs) and wilderness, and has been designed by local citizens to emphasize conservation values and sustain existing recreational uses. WSCC worked with the community to identify areas within our watershed that need special protections, and hope to get support for this proposal. To view the full proposal, please go here!

Get on the ground: Come hike with us in the GMUG!

WSCC has two planned Mike’s Hikes that will travel right into the heart of the Community Conservation Proposal and the GMUG  Preliminary Forest Plan.

On June 23, we are planning a photography-themed hike to Buzzard Park. This area is included in the Community Conservation Proposal in the Mule Park Important Bird Area. An Important Bird Area (IBA) is a National Audubon Society designation recognizing especially important areas of bird habitat. The Mule Park IBA was recognized because of its extreme importance for cavity nesting birds, in particular western purple martins (Progne subis arboricola).

on July 7, we are planning a wildflower-themed hike on Terror Trail, which is included in the Community Conservation Proposal in the Electric Mountain Recommended Wilderness. With the high water year we have had this year so far, this hike is primed to be an outstanding one.

As you walk through these areas, keep in mind what could be gained if protections were put in place to keep these places wild, and what could be lost if oil and gas, timber, and road developments were allowed in these areas. We need the community’s voice to tell the Forest Service that there is broad support for conservation.

UFO RMP Update

We are anticipating the Approved RMP/Final EIS will be released this summer! Keep an eye on our website and facebook page for more info and how to be involved.