FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rider Groups Appeal BLM’s Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Plan, Citing Legal Violations
DENVER, CO (April 21, 2025) – Four leading off-highway vehicle (OHV) organizations – the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition (COHVCO), Colorado Off Road Enterprise (CORE), Ride with Respect (RwR), and Trails Preservation Alliance (TPA) – have filed an appeal with the Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA) challenging the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) final Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Plan (TMP) and its associated Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
The Rider Groups assert that the BLM’s decision to significantly reduce the designated OHV route network by approximately 317 miles within the 303,994-acre Travel Management Area in the Moab Field Office violates multiple federal laws. Specifically, the Appellants argue that the BLM’s Decision Record (DR) is unlawful because it:
- Violates the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by failing to conduct a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) despite the significant impacts on the human and socio-economic environment resulting from the extensive route closures. The groups contend the BLM’s conclusion of no significant impact is unsubstantiated.
- Violates NEPA by limiting or closing routes that were never considered for such actions in any of the alternatives analyzed in the Environmental Assessment, thus falling outside the scope of the agency’s analysis.
- Violates NEPA and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) by failing to take a “hard look” at route closures, applying general minimization criteria contrary to specific route input provided by the Appellants, and issuing inaccurate or unsupported rationales for closures. The BLM allegedly did not adequately respond to significant public comments.
- Violates NEPA by failing to provide a “reasonable range of alternatives” in the Environmental Assessment.
- Violates the Dingell Act regarding the prioritization of recreational access.
- Violates the APA due to arbitrary and capricious decision-making.
- Violates the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) in its land use planning process.
The Appellants, who have a long history of engagement in the Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Area, including significant volunteer work and financial investment in trail maintenance and responsible recreation, argue that the route closures will severely impact recreational opportunities, concentrate use on remaining trails, and harm local economies.
Clif Koontz, Executive Director of Ride with Respect and agent for the other Appellant groups, stated, “The Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges area is a world-renowned OHV destination, and the BLM’s decision to close such a substantial portion of the route network without proper analysis and consideration of stakeholder input is deeply concerning. We believe this plan is not only legally flawed but will also negatively affect responsible recreation access for countless enthusiasts.”
The Rider Groups are requesting that the IBLA declare the BLM’s Decision Record unlawful and set aside the Travel Management Plan pending full compliance with federal law.
About the Appellants:
- Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition (COHVCO): Advocates for responsible OHV recreation through legislation and regulation.
- Colorado Off Road Enterprise (CORE): A 4×4 advocacy group working to keep off-road trails open in Colorado and Utah.
- Ride with Respect (RwR): A Utah non-profit dedicated to conserving shared-use trails and promoting responsible recreation.
- Trails Preservation Alliance (TPA): Focuses on preserving motorized single-track trail riding and supports all forms of OHV recreation