Photo by Kimerlee Curyl

The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Little Snake Field Office in northwestern Colorado is accepting public comment on a recreation management plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed South Sand Wash Open Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area inside the boundaries of the southern portion of the famed wild horse Sand Wash Basin Herd Management Area (HMA). 

The agency is partnering with the Craig Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest Colorado Outdoor Coalition to “enhance the area in hopes of attracting more recreationists and boost the local economy.” Enhancement could include building an established campground, a large staging area for OHV users, pit toilets, shade structures, and an OHV rental facility. 

The BLM removed almost 700 wild horses from the Sand Wash Basin in September 2021 due to what the agency determined as “drought conditions and lack of forage”. The roundup was stopped due to public outcry after 684 horses were captured.

Now, concentrated OHV use, (which includes motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and full-size, four-wheel-drive vehicles such as jeeps and sport utility vehicles), is proposed for close to 15,000 acres in the southern part of the HMA. 

Studies have shown that OHV impacts include soil compaction and erosion, increased invasive species, reduced biotic structure resulting in habitat loss, air quality, noise, habitat fragmentation, alteration of wildlife migration corridors and breeding behavior, and an increase in wildlife/vehicle collisions.

If the BLM and local business leaders want to attract recreation to the area, we must encourage them to promote the internationally-known wild horses in the Sand Wash Basin! Please take action today!

Please send your comments by June 3 to blm_co_lsfo_web@blm.gov in the form provided below or send to ATTN: South Sand Wash OHV Area Recreation Plan, Little Snake Field Office, 455 Emerson Street, Craig, CO 81625.