Wildridge Trail Coalition

01/27/2026

01/27/2026

Thank you for a Great 2025!

Thank You for a Great 2025: Wildridge Trail Coalition Annual Report

09/26/2025

It’s time for action!
BLM to Reassess Closures – We Need Your Voice Once More

We need you to rally more comments in support of REOPENING trails in Moab. Substantive comments from your individual perspective will have the greatest impact.

TAKE ACTION:
• Start drafting your comments (DUE 10/24/25).
• Share how you used these trails — how often, who you rode with, and why they matter — to demonstrate the value of each route. Include photos and route Segment IDs where possible.
• Explore the interactive map (link below). Use the layer function – reassessed routes are shown as thicker lines in green, purple, or hot pink.
• Review the Press Release we shared in April (link below) for additional talking points.

HISTORY:
In 2023 the BLM Moab Field Office closed 317 miles of routes in the Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges area, but its decision was appealed by CORE, COHVCO-Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition, Ride with Respect, and the Trails Preservation Alliance (in tandem with lawsuits from BlueRibbon Coalition and the State of Utah).

Yesterday, the BLM announced its plan to reassess about 150 miles, which includes the Dead Cow motorcycle loop and Hey Joe Mine 4WD road but excludes Tenmile Wash. These closures, along with other recent Travel Management Plan decisions, were at the forefront of our visit to Washington, D.C. this past May.

Make no mistake: the same groups that pushed for these closures — a broad coalition of organizations and individuals — will fight just as hard to keep them in place. To defend equitable access, we likewise need numerous organizations and individuals standing with us. The TPA / RwR / COHVCO / CORE are ready, and we anticipate reassessments of the San Rafael Swell TMP and Henry Mountains/Fremont Gorge TMP could be on the horizon as well.

Together, we can show the BLM — and our critics — that responsible trail users are united, engaged, and determined to protect access for generations to come.

RESOURCES:

BLM Announcement: https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-reassesses-routes-labyrinthgemini-bridges-area

TPA Press Release from earlier this year: https://www.coloradotpa.org/2025/04/21/press-release-rider-groups-appeal-blms-labyrinth-gemini-bridges-travel-management-plan-citing-legal-violations/

Map and Submit Comments: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2001224/510

We are prepared to continue appealing as appropriate. Nevertheless we applaud the BLM for choosing to reassess nearly half of the closures.

Stay tuned for more of our groups’ analysis on this opportunity.

09/20/2025

Please read below for some additional information about the USDA rescinding the National Roadless Rule!

COHVCO thinks it is important for the motorized community to understand what the Roadless Rule is and is not. We thank Secretary Rollins for withdrawing the Rule, as this will be a significant step in opening public lands to the public. There are also many steps to actually providing recreational access to any area left to be taken. This understanding of the Roadless Rule will allow us to address upcoming discussions with accurate information and that is important.

1. Overwhelmingly the Roadless Rule is an inventory of characteristics required under the Wilderness Act. (16 USC §1132) There are Roadless Areas that are Congressionally designated and often these designations have areas specific protections in their designation.

2. The Roadless Rule is NOT a management decision (16 USC §1133(b)), even if some forests transferred this name into management area names. These forest specific management area designations are outside the scope of Rules withdrawn. Management decisions in the forest plan will remain in force.

3. On June 23, 2025 Secretary Rollins withdrew the 2001 National Roadless Rule. Colorado and Idaho have completed state specific Roadless Rules that were developed under the Administrative Procedure Act to satisfy the Wilderness Act requirements. These are just legally different and are outside the scope of the withdrawal.

4. The Roadless Rule only limits road construction and reconstruction in the inventoried areas. Many IRA have roads in them. Motorized trails can exist in an area inventoried as Roadless. This was indirectly recognized in the national rule withdrawn. In Colorado, motorized trails are a characteristic of Colorado Roadless areas as a result of a lot of effort from COHVCO when these Colorado Rule was developed.

5. By definition, snowmobile usage occurs on trails and areas. As a result, generally snowmobile usage is outside the scope of the Roadless Rule. Do clubs groom roads in the winter for snowmobile usage? Yes, but that is at best an indirect impact for our usage.

6. Nothing changes on the ground for anyone until NEPA occurs. This means winter travel or summer travel plans and possible Forest plan revisions as well.

7. Real change is only going to occur when the Wilderness Act inventory provisions are addressed. There are lots of ways to do that. Remember the Wilderness Act drives both Roadless Areas on USFS and Wilderness Study Areas on BLM.

8. Will the Roadless Rule withdrawal benefit firefighting? Absolutely. Will it allow power companies to maintain areas around transmission lines more effectively. Absolutely. They don’t have to walk or fly into these areas.

09/14/2025

Fire restrictions will be lifted on all lands managed by the White River National Forest beginning tomorrow.

While the welcomed rain has reduced fire danger, please continue to be vigilant and careful with fire. Make sure campfires are cold to the touch before leaving camp -- especially those morning warming fires -- and avoid parking in dry grass.

09/10/2025

Be careful out there!

News Release: 9.9.25 -All Fire Restrictions Lifted in Eagle County Effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, September 12, 2025

Eagle County, Colo. – After careful consultation with state and federal partners and wildfire experts, the Eagle County Sheriff has determined that current conditions no longer warrant Stage 1 fire restrictions. While restrictions are being lifted, the risk of wildfire is never completely gone. The vigilance and responsible practices of our community remain essential in protecting our landscapes.

Residents and visitors are reminded that even though formal fire restrictions have been lifted, the safety of Eagle County still begins with each of us. Every careful choice, such as fully extinguishing a campfire, monitoring sparks from equipment, or simply staying aware, helps protect the forests, neighborhoods, and open spaces we all cherish. You are the first line of defense in keeping our community and landscapes safe.

We sincerely thank our community for your vigilance, care, and ongoing commitment to fire safety. Your efforts help preserve the natural beauty that makes Eagle County so special.

***EN ESPAÑOL***

Comunicado de Noticias: 9.9.25 - Se retiran todas las restricciones de fuego en el Condado de Eagle a partir de las 12:01 a. m. del viernes 12 de Septiembre 2025

Condado de Eagle, Colo. - Tras consultar cuidadosamente con socios estatales y federales y expertos en incendios forestales, el alguacil del condado de Eagle ha determinado que las condiciones actuales ya no justifican las Restricciones de Fuego Fase 1. Aunque se están levantando las restricciones, el riesgo de incendios forestales nunca desaparece por completo. La vigilancia y las prácticas responsables de nuestra comunidad siguen siendo esenciales para proteger nuestros paisajes.

Se recuerda a los residentes y visitantes que, aunque se han levantado las restricciones formales de fuego, la seguridad del condado de Eagle comienza con cada uno de nosotros. Cada decisión cuidadosamente tomada, como apagar completamente una fogata, vigilar las chispas de los equipos o simplemente estar atento, ayuda a proteger los bosques, los vecindarios y los espacios abiertos que todos apreciamos. Ustedes son la primera línea de defensa para mantener la seguridad de nuestra comunidad y nuestros paisajes.

Agradecemos sinceramente a nuestra comunidad su vigilancia, cuidado y compromiso continuo con la seguridad contra incendios. Sus esfuerzos ayudan a preservar la belleza natural que hace que el condado de Eagle sea tan especial.

09/05/2025

09/05/2025

News Release: 9.4.25 - Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Implemented in Eagle County

Eagle County, Colo. - Eagle County will be lowering fire restrictions from Stage 2 to Stage 1, effective at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025.

After careful consultation with our state and federal partners and wildfire experts, the Eagle County Sheriff has determined that current conditions no longer warrant Stage 2 fire restrictions.

Transitioning to Stage 1 restrictions keeps our approach in line with neighboring counties and regional partners. We strongly encourage everyone to remain alert and continue practicing responsible fire safety to safeguard our community and the surrounding environment.

The restrictions that will be implemented and remain in place until further notice are;

~Campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in developed campgrounds (i.e., a metal, in-ground containment structure -- fire pans and rock campfire rings are not acceptable).
~No fires of any type, including charcoal, outside of developed areas.
~No smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or in a barren area free of vegetation.
~No use of explosive materials, including explosive targets.
~No welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame, or any other spark-producing device, except in an area that has been cleared of vegetation.
~No operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark-arresting device properly installed and in working order.
~No personal fireworks.

In an effort to avoid confusion resulting from the potential for continuously changing restrictions during this period of fire danger, the Sheriff has determined that it is in the best interest of the community to maintain the temporary suspension of the automatic fire restrictions triggered by Red Flag Warnings under Eagle County Ordinance No. 2023-01.

We’d like to remind both our residents and visitors that you are the first line of defense against wildland fires. Your vigilance and care help protect the landscapes we all love. Thank you for doing your part to keep Eagle County safe.

More in-depth information regarding the fire restrictions in Eagle County can be located at: www.ecemergency.org

For fire information across the state of Colorado, visit: http://www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html

BLM website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/upper-colorado-river-district

White River National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver

***EN ESPAÑOL***

Comunicado de noticias: 9.4.25 - Restricciones de Fuego Fase 1 implementadas en el Condado de Eagle

Condado de Eagle, Colo. - El condado de Eagle reducirá las restricciones de fuego de la Fase 2 a la Fase 1, con efecto a partir de las 12:01 a. m. del viernes 5 de septiembre de 2025. Tras una cuidadosa consulta con nuestros socios estatales y federales y expertos en incendios forestales, el alguacil del condado de Eagle ha determinado que las condiciones actuales ya no justifican las restricciones de Fuego Fase 2.

Tras consultar detenidamente con nuestros socios estatales y federales y con expertos en incendios forestales, el alguacil del condado de Eagle ha determinado que las condiciones actuales ya no justifican las restricciones de Fuego Fase 2.

La transición a las Restricciones de Fuego Fase 1 mantiene nuestro enfoque en línea con los condados vecinos y los socios regionales. Recomendamos encarecidamente a todos que permanezcan alerta y sigan practicando una seguridad contra incendios responsable para proteger nuestra comunidad y el medio ambiente circundante.

Las restricciones que se implementarán y permanecerán vigentes hasta nuevo aviso son las siguientes:

~Las fogatas solo están permitidas dentro de las parrillas designadas en los campamentos desarrollados (es decir, una estructura metálica empotrada en el suelo; no se aceptan bandejas para fuego ni anillos de roca para fogatas).
~No se permite ningún fuego, incluyendo el de carbón, fuera de las áreas desarrolladas y designadas.
~No se permite fumar, excepto dentro de un vehículo o edificio cerrado, un área recreativa desarrollada o en un área árida sin vegetación.
~No se permite el uso de materiales explosivos, incluyendo blancos incendiarios.
~No se permite soldar ni utilizar sopletes de acetileno u otros similares con llama abierta, ni ningún otro dispositivo que produzca chispas, excepto en zonas despejadas de vegetación.
~No se permite utilizar motores de combustión interna sin un dispositivo antichispas correctamente instalado y en buen estado de funcionamiento.
~No se permiten fuegos artificiales personales.

Con el fin de evitar la confusión que podría generar el cambio continuo de las restricciones durante este periodo de peligro de incendios, el alguacil ha decidido que lo mejor para la comunidad es mantener la suspensión temporal de las restricciones automáticas contra incendios activadas por las alertas de bandera roja en virtud de la Ordenanza n.º 2023-01 del condado de Eagle.

Nos gustaría recordar tanto a nuestros residentes como a los visitantes que ustedes son la primera línea de defensa contra los incendios forestales. Su vigilancia y cuidado ayudan a proteger los paisajes que todos amamos. Gracias por contribuir a mantener la seguridad del condado de Eagle.

Puede encontrar información más detallada sobre las restricciones contra incendios en el condado de Eagle en: www.ecemergency.org

Para obtener información sobre incendios en todo el estado de Colorado, visite: http://www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html

Sitio web de BLM (Oficina de Gestión de Tierras): https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/upper-colorado-river-district

Bosque Nacional White River: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver

08/28/2025

News Release: 8.26.25 - Fire Restrictions Reduced, High Fire Danger Remains

Eagle County, Colo. - After careful consultation with local fire chiefs, state and federal partners, and wildfire experts, the Eagle County Sheriff has determined that current conditions no longer warrant heightened Stage 2 fire restrictions.

General Stage 2 fire restrictions will resume at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

While fire danger remains very high, this adjustment reflects alignment with neighboring counties and regional partners. We continue to urge everyone to stay vigilant and follow all fire safety guidelines to protect our community and natural resources.

The restrictions that will be implemented and remain in place until further notice are;
No open flame, including but not limited to portable outdoor fireplaces, campfires, wood or charcoal grills. Liquid or gas-fueled stoves with shut-off valves may be utilized.
No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
No use of explosive materials, including explosive targets or incendiary rounds.
No welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame, or any other spark producing device, without permit. A ‘HOTWORK’ permit can be issued through your local fire department with a site inspection.
No operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed and in working order.
No personal fireworks

In an effort to avoid confusion resulting from the potential for continuously changing restrictions during this period of high fire danger, the Sheriff has determined that it is in the best interest of the community to maintain the temporary suspension of the automatic fire restrictions triggered by Red Flag Warnings under Eagle County Ordinance No. 2023-01.

We want to remind our community, as well as visitors to the area, that you are our first line of defense in preventing wildland fires. Thank you everyone for doing your part to keep Eagle County safe and beautiful.

More in depth information regarding the fire restrictions in Eagle County can be located at: www.ecemergency.org

For fire information across the state of Colorado, visit: http://www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html

BLM website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/upper-colorado-river-district

White River National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver

# # # # #

Comunicado de noticias: 8.26.25 - Se reducen las restricciones de fuego, pero el peligro de fuego continúa
Condado de Eagle, Colo. - Tras consultar cuidadosamente con los jefes de bomberos locales, los socios estatales y federales y los expertos en incendios forestales, el alguacil del condado de Eagle ha determinado que las condiciones actuales ya no justifican las restricciones de fuego Fase 2 elevada.
Las restricciones estándar de Fuego Fase 2 se reanudarán a las 12:01 a. m. del Miércoles 27 de Agosto de 2025.

Aunque el peligro de incendios sigue siendo muy alto, este ajuste refleja la alineación con los condados vecinos y los socios regionales. Seguimos urgiendo a todos a que se mantengan alerta y sigan todas las directivas de seguridad contra incendios para proteger nuestra comunidad y nuestros recursos naturales.

Las restricciones que se implementarán y permanecerán vigentes hasta nuevo aviso son:
No se permiten llamas abiertas, incluyendo, entre otras, chimeneas portátiles al aire libre, fogatas, parrillas de leña o carbón. Se pueden utilizar estufas de líquido o gas con válvulas de cierre.
No se permite fumar, excepto dentro de un vehículo cerrado o un edificio.
No se permite el uso de materiales explosivos, incluyendo balas trazadoras o blancos incendiarios.
No se permite soldar ni utilizar sopletes de acetileno u otros similares con llama abierta, ni ningún otro dispositivo que produzca chispas, sin permiso. Se puede obtener un permiso para trabajos calientes “HOTWORK” a través de su departamento de bomberos local, con previa inspección del lugar.
No se permite el uso de ningún motor de combustión interna sin un dispositivo antichispas correctamente instalado y en buen estado de funcionamiento.
No se permiten fuegos artificiales personales.

Con el fin de evitar la confusión que podría generar el cambio continuo de las restricciones durante este período de alto riesgo de incendios, el alguacil ha determinado que lo mejor para la comunidad es mantener la suspensión temporal de las restricciones automáticas de fuego activadas por las alertas de bandera roja en virtud de la Ordenanza n.º 2023-01 del condado de Eagle.

Queremos recordar a nuestra comunidad, así como a los visitantes de la zona, que ustedes son nuestra primera línea de defensa para prevenir los incendios forestales. Gracias a todos por contribuir a mantener la seguridad y la belleza del condado de Eagle.

Puede encontrar información más detallada sobre las restricciones de fuego en el Condado de Eagle en: www.ecemergency.org

Para obtener información sobre incendios en todo el estado de Colorado, visite: http://www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html

Sitio web de BLM: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/upper-colorado-river-district

Bosque Nacional del Río Blanco : https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver

08/27/2025

Effective immediately, Bureau of Land Management - Colorado is reopening public lands in Garfield and Eagle Counties that were closed because of the .

However, the areas described below will remain closed until fire managers declare the controlled or BLM rescinds the order:

-- BLM lands north and west of the town of Gypsum, Colorado, that are north of Sweetwater Road; west of the Colorado River; east of the White River National Forest boundary; and south of Derby Creek.

Entry is prohibited and violators face federal penalties including fines and imprisonment. Please stay out of the closed area to avoid interfering with firefighting operations.

For more information about the closure, visit the BLM website: https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-reduces-size-land-closure-garfield-and-eagle-counties-derby-fire

BLM Colorado Fire

08/26/2025

Today the White River National Forest expanded the public closure for firefighter and public safety in the vicinity of the Derby Fire.

The new Forest Order expands the closure to the southwest, including the area from southwest of Sweetwater Lake to the west rim of Deep Creek Canyon. A map and detailed description of the closure, including affected roads and trails, are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts.

The latest information about the Derby Fire is available at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cowrf-derby-fire and https://www.facebook.com/DerbyFire.

The entire White River National Forest remains under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, meaning no campfires are allowed anywhere on the Forest, among other restrictions. For more information about fire restrictions on the White River National Forest, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts.

08/21/2025

Effective immediately, in the interest of firefighter and public safety, certain public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management - Colorado Colorado River Valley Field Office in Garfield and Eagle Counties are temporarily closed until the is declared controlled or this order is rescinded.

Entry is prohibited and violators face federal penalties including fines and imprisonment. Please stay out of the closed area to avoid interfering with firefighting operations.

For more information about the closure, visit the BLM website
https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-issues-land-closure-garfield-and-eagle-counties-firefighting-activities

BLM Colorado Fire