The BLM began a back country byway program in 1989 to focus on enhancing recreational opportunities. Two years later, Section 1047 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 established the National Scenic Byway System. Section 1032 of the Act recognized the BLM’s Back Country and Scenic Byways program as a component of the National Scenic Byway System. The objectives of the BLM’s Back Country and Scenic Byways program include:
Enhance opportunities for the American public to see and enjoy the unique scenic and historical opportunities on public lands.
Foster partnerships at local, state, and national levels.
Contribute to local economies.
Enhance visitors’ recreation experiences and communicate the multiuse management message through effective interpretative programs.
Manage visitor use along the National Back Country Byway to minimize impacts to the environment and to protect visitors.
Contribute to the National Scenic Byway System in a way that is uniquely suited to BLM-administered national public lands.
The BLM manages one National Back Country Byway in the Planning Area the Red Gulch/Alkali National Back Country Byway. This route is a 32 mile gravel road that provides a scenic drive through the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains and access to three WSAs and the Red Gulch Dinosaur Track Site ACEC. Active promotion of the Red Gulch/Alkali National Back Country Byway has been limited to available brochures and interpretive kiosks at either end of the route, and its proximity to the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite, which attracts thousands of visitors per year. Local and out-of-state visitors familiar with the area constitute most recreational use. These visitors are generally comfortable with the experience and enjoy the seclusion and the panoramic scenery of the Big Horn Mountains and the Bighorn Basin and the experience, opportunities, and benefits that come from the local areas accessible via the National Back Country Byway.
Management challenges for the Red Gulch/Alkali National Back Country Byway include improving visitor safety and managing for multiple-use resource activities while maintaining the scenic character of the landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts unfamiliar with the area can become intimidated by the type II and III road conditions and limited signage. Hazardous road conditions along this route include a narrow running surface, deep ruts, steep slopes, and soil types that become extremely muddy and slippery during times of inclement weather, even light rain. The route is impassable during winter. Additional signage and increased visitor information is needed to ensure public safety along the Red Gulch/Alkali National Back Country Byway.
Multiple-use resource activities have remained limited in the corridor of the National Back Country Byway. Visual intrusions along the byway do not disrupt the overall character of landscape. However, impacts of dispersed recreation, including OHV use, are becoming apparent and can be attributed to the popularity of the area during the hunting season and as a location for horn hunting.