MORRISON, Colo. … The South Platte Ranger District of the Pike National Forest is seeking public comment on an Environmental Assessment (EA) completed for a proposed travel management plan and roads analysis for the popular Rampart Range Motorized Recreation Area, southwest of metro Denver. The EA analyzes two action alternatives that would accomplish the project's objectives and responds to issues raised during a comprehensive public scoping period. It also analyzes a no-action alternative. The 30-day comment period ends on Aug. 22, 2005.

The project's goal is to develop a road, trail and recreational use plan for the area with an emphasis on a road and trail system that supports general recreational activities and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use. The study addresses a host of safety, environmental and recreational issues resulting from the significant increase in volume and types of use that the Rampart Range area has been experiencing.

The 91,000-acre project area is within Douglas County on the Pike National Forest. It is bordered generally on the north by Waterton Canyon, on the south by the Long Hollow Road (FR 348), on the west by Highway 67 and the South Platte River and on the east by the Pike National Forest boundary.

The release of the Environmental Assessment follows an extensive public involvement effort that began in July 2004 and included four public open houses and two separate citizen workshops. More than 700 comments have been received, thus far, during the public scoping process.

Written comments may be submitted by mail, e-mail or fax. Comments be submitted by August 22, 2005 and be sent to: EDAW, Inc., Rampart Range Trail and Roads Analysis Team, Attention: Bruce Meighen, 240 E. Mountain Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80524; Fax: (970) 484-8518 or be e-mailed to RampartRT@edaw.com. Additional information on the proposed project may be obtained by going to the South Platte Ranger District website at www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/spl and clicking on the "Rampart Range Travel Management Plan" link.