TM-25. Develop Travel Management Plans for specific travel management areas to accomplish all final route designations within five years of completion of the Approved RMP . In general, Travel Management Area boundaries will correspond to the boundaries of Management Units, Special Recreation Management Areas, or Recreation Management Zones.
TM-26. Employ a structured route evaluation process, supported by standardized documentation and compatible software with GIS functionality. Public and agency input will be a critical and important component of the evaluation and designation process. Route designations will apply to all motorized vehicles and mechanized equipment designed to provide a mechanical advantage and intended for human conveyance, including automobiles, trucks, ATVs, motorcycles, mountain bikes, and other conveyances with one, two, three, four, or more wheels or tracks.
TM-27. New routes may be added to the designated route network to address changing conditions and demands. The process for adding new routes to the designated route network, motorized or non-motorized, will include a structured analysis approach. All proposed additions will be processed as follows:
Route locations will be mapped or located using accepted Global Positioning System devices and presented to the BLM office for consideration. Locations for route proposals off of designated motorized routes must be located and mapped using non-motorized methods.
The route proposal submitted to BLM will include a description of the route including its proposed width, its proposed use(s), and a rationale for its need.
The route location will be staked and flagged for on-the-ground review by resource specialists.
The route location will be analyzed for potential conflicts such as, (but not limited to): wildlife habitats, cultural resources, visual resources, other recreation uses, mining claims or leases, grazing facilities, rights-of-way, and proximity to other jurisdictions (such as private land.) A structured process will be used to evaluate and document the potential route conditions.
The conflict assessment may lead to development of mitigation actions or alternative locations or design.
An environmental analysis (EA) would be conducted to determine the environmental effects of the proposed route and any alternatives and recommended mitigation.
A decision will be issued by the authorized officer based on Land Use Plan compliance, resource objectives, and environmental impacts.
If the decision is to approve the addition of the route, the Travel Management Plan will be updated accordingly.