Trail expansion considered — BLM seeks comment on Bent Sprockets proposal

Interested parties have until April 15 to comment on the proposed construction of additional trails at the Old Quarry Trails recreation area east of Newcastle, according to a March 25 release from the Bureau of Land Management. 

“The preliminary environmental assessment evaluates a proposal submitted by the Bent Sprockets Bike Club to enhance recreational opportunities in the area by constructing additional trails,” the release says. “Currently, the Old Quarry Trails system features five miles of mountain bike and hiking trails. The BLM has developed three alternatives for consideration, offering varying trail lengths of 2 miles, 3.5 miles and 10 miles.” 

According to Tyson Finnicum, public affairs specialist for the BLM High Plains District, the proposal from Bent Sprockets is listed as Alternative B. He explained that the agency is considering three alternatives, and concerns about the project’s effect on deer in the area are driving the other alternatives. 

“After considering the resources involved (e.g., wildlife habitat, recreation, cultural) and meeting with Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the BLM interdisciplinary team discussed different options. Game and Fish had concerns about the project area overlapping with crucial deer winter range and the disturbances that recreation use may create to the deer,” Finnicum said. “Those concerns helped guide us to create alternatives that included no trails into the CWR (Alternative C), multiple trails in the CWR (Alternative B) and only one trail into the higher elevations/CWR (Alternative D) to provide trail access.”

Because of the concerns about the crucial deer winter range, he noted that if Alternative B is approved, winter closure would be required from Nov. 15 to April 30 each year. 

“These dates are recommended by G&F to protect wintering deer. The closure would be to all human use on the trails,” Finnicum said. 

When asked if multiple trails are possible, Finnicum said that Alternative B would include the proposal for “up to 10 miles of trails, consisting of multiple single- and double-tracked trails, geared for cyclists of all abilities.”

“Alternatives C and D, which were developed with consideration for the concerns raised by Game and Fish, include portions of the original proposal. The addition of Alternatives C and D offer points of comparison between the anticipated impacts, as well as provides the field manager with options in his decision-making, if necessary,” he said. 

As for costs, Finnicum said that Bent Sprockets would be responsible for building and maintaining the trails, so he could not provide any estimates. When possible, he said, the BLM will help with purchasing signs to place at trail junctions. 

The benefits of the project, Finnicum said, include more opportunities for hikers and bicyclists of varying abilities, as well as (if Alternative B or D is chosen) a means to hike or bike into the higher elevations along the trail. 

Finnicum said that public involvement on these proposals is extremely beneficial to the BLM and helps them understand the issues better.
“Public comments also help us understand the recreation needs of the public land users and, ultimately, help us develop better alternatives,” he said. 

To review the documents, proposals and submit comments, visit the BLM National NEPA Register. Comments may also be submitted via email to BLM_WY_Newcastle_WYMail@blm.gov.