| The United States Bureau of Land Management cautions Castle Valley residents to comply with the camping guidelines implemented on the San Rafael Swell. Since the motorized route designation plan was established last February, the federal land management agency is striving to educate potential campers regarding the guidelines currently in place. The Price BLM office is ushering in a task force comprised of representatives from multiple agencies to assist visitors and patrol the Swell. Task force members will work on the ground handing out maps and brochures, answering questions and, when necessary, issuing warnings or citations to individuals camping in areas on the San Rafael designated as closed. |
As the weather warms to temperatures promoting outdoor recreation, numerous Carbon County residents are gearing up to embark on camping trips.
But the United States Bureau of Land Management encourages local outdoor enthusiasts to comply with the federal guidelines implemented on the San Rafael Swell.
Since the motorized route designation plan was established last February, the federal land management agency feels it is important to educate potential campers regarding the guidelines currently in place.
“Easter and the weekends surrounding the holiday are the busiest for camping in the San Rafael. We want to let visitors know that under the route designation plan there are still plenty of opportunities for dispersed camping with nearly 2,000 miles of motorized routes open,” explained Patrick Gubbins, Price BLM field office manager.
“Information on closed and open routes is easily accessible online or through our office,” added Gubbins.
To assist San Rafael visitors, the Price BLM office is ushering in a task force comprised of representatives from multiple agencies.
Task force members will work on the ground handing out maps and brochures, answering questions and, when necessary, issuing warnings or citations to individuals camping in areas marked as closed.
With the implementation of the route designation plan, vehicle camping in the San Rafael is allowed off of all designated routes in previously used camping areas or disturbed sites.
However, vehicle camping at the Wedge Overlook is limited to signed designated campsites, stressed the BLM.
In order to protect wildlife, vegetation and other resources, camping with vehicles is not allowed off routes signed as closed.
“We know many campers come to the San Rafael year after year. We want to make sure this place is just as beautiful in 20 or 30 years when they come back to visit,” stated Gubbins.
“When campers are responsible, it protects the resources we enjoy for years to come,” Gubbins concluded.
Campers can help protect the San Rafael Swell by taking steps to leave no trace.
The no trace practices include setting up tents, trailers or campers as well as outdoor equipment in previously utilized areas or designated sites, carrying out all trash and using portable toilets or facilities provided by the BLM.
Carrying in firewood and using fire pans raised off the ground on rocks also reduces human impact on the land.
Carbon County residents planning on accessing San Rafael camping areas via foot or horseback should choose sites considering resource protection and