The Bureau of Land Management is opening a 30-day public comment period on its proposed acquisition of a right-of-way across state land for the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The right-of-way would authorize the trail on state land, provide recreational access to the public, and allow Federal funds to be allocated to administer, operate, and maintain the trail. The BLM has submitted a right-of-way application to the New Mexico State Land Office for a 10-foot-wide trail right-of-way over 74 easements through Hidalgo, Grant, Caton, Cibola, and Sandoval counties. The total mileage on state land is approximately 56.2 miles.
The public comment period, which extends June 3 – July 5, 2022, is intended to solicit public input on issues and impacts related to the right-of-way acquisition. The public can view project documents and submit public comments online via the project’s e-Planning page at https://go.usa.gov/xuQ72 through July 5, 2022.
In addition to the 30-day public comment period, the BLM invites the public to register and participate in an upcoming virtual public meeting on the proposed acquisition on June 15, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. To register for the virtual public meeting, contact Catherine Brewster at 505-954-2044, or cbrewster@blm.gov.
The BLM, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and the Continental Divide Trail Coalition are coordinating to relocate the trail to a location away from county roads and highways, which would increase trail user safety, and is expected to increase trail user enjoyment by enhancing the solitude of the trail. The right-of-way acquisition would permit the trail to be located on State Trust Land and contribute to the future relocation of current trail routes off road.
Comments will also be accepted by mail to: Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Office, Attn: Sarah Naranjo, 301 Dinosaur Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87508.
For more information, please contact BLM New Mexico State Office Realty Specialist Sarah Naranjo at 505-954-2200 or snaranjo@blm.gov.
