Wyoming: Target Shooting Addressed in BLM Rawlins Field Office Recreation Plan

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Rawlins Field Office has released for public comment the proposed Rogers Canyon Resource Protection, Public Access and Travel Management Plan (the Plan).

The 640-acre Rogers Canyon area is located eight miles northwest of Laramie, WY.  It is used extensively by local residents and students from the University of Wyoming and WyoTech for rock climbing, hiking, biking, hunting, all-terrain vehicles and target shooting.  Unfortunately, the area has been degraded with the dumping of trash and other debris, riding off established roads and two-tracks, unsafe shooting practices, and the destruction of natural resources.   

In response, the BLM plans to provide a preferred area for safer target shooting, construct three vehicle parking areas, deter illegal dumping with 1.15 miles of fence along the south side of County Road 17, limit off-highway vehicles to a 65-inch or less width, close eight routes with engineering, erosion or routing problems and offer more education about and enforcement of existing rules and policies.  

The BLM is not closing any part of the canyon or prohibiting any recreational activity. Instead, the Plan is intended to preserve traditional recreation activities in the canyon while striking a balance among the diverse interests of those who recreate and reside in the area. 

A public meeting is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. on June 25^th at Fire Station 3, 2374 Jefferson Street , Laramie to provide information and answer questions about the plan.

The Plan is available for review online at www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/info/NEPA/documents/rfo/rogers_canyon.html.

Written comments may be emailed to BLM_WY_Rogers_Canyon@blm.gov with “Plan Comment” in the subject line; faxed to 307-328-4373; or mailed or delivered to the BLM Rawlins Field Office, Attn: Amanda Jones, P.O. Box 2407, 1300 N. Third St., Rawlins WY 82301. Comments will be accepted until June 30 and are most useful when they address specific issues, concerns, or ideas.

For more information, please contact Amanda Jones at 307-328-4205.

If you recreate in Rogers Canyon, please review the Plan and submit comments to the BLM before the deadline.