Public lands play an important role in many family traditions, especially during spring holidays, sparking the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to issue tips for visitors to “recreate responsibly.”
BLM public lands experience an increase in visitation around Easter weekend, the bureau stated. In fiscal year 2020, BLM estimated 8.4 million visits to lands across Utah, and that visitation “dramatically” increases when the weather warms up.
BLM is asking visitors to plan ahead and follow local, state and federal guidelines and regulations to ensure safe trips this weekend.
Some BLM-developed recreation sites and areas may have limited services, the bureau stated. Campgrounds, restrooms, trailheads, rivers and recreation sites may have restrictions or new operating procedures in place. For the latest updates on sites’ operating status, click here.
“The safety of our employees and visitors is the BLM’s highest priority,” BLM stated. “BLM staff are hard at work managing public lands to help the public recreate safely and to protect resources. While some of our visitor centers or field offices may still limit in-person services, you can still reach local BLM staff by phone or email.”
Many sites are currently open, BLM stated. Visitors of public lands are being asked to:
- Follow guidance from local, state and federal authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Do not congregate at trailheads or other outdoor spaces. Have a backup plan so you can still enjoy the outdoors, even if the area you are trying to visit is full.
- Follow the CDC’s social distancing guidelines and keep at least a six-foot distance from BLM staff and other public land users while you are recreating. Use a mask when physical distances cannot be maintained.
BLM stated visitors to public lands should be self-reliant and come prepared to recreate responsibly. Tips include:
- Plan to pack out your trash. Trash receptacles overflow quickly during busy weekends. Improperly disposed of trash is a health hazard and harmful to wildlife.
- Proper human waste management is important to preserve natural areas and for public health. The organization’s “Leave No Trace” provides tips and best practices to dispose of waste properly here. Come prepared with a disposable toilet system in the event restrooms are unavailable.
- BLM stated it has seen a number of concerning human-caused fires this year. Remember to extinguish campfires completely, ensure spark arresters on off highway vehicles are working properly and never detonate fireworks on BLM public land. Do not use explosive targets during recreational shooting – use is currently illegal in Utah.
- The weather can change quickly on public lands. Bring layers of clothing, plan accordingly and check the weather prior to visiting. If rain is in the forecast, do not enter any slot canyons or areas that are prone to flooding.
- Travel on designated motorized routes and trails. Do not create new trails or bypasses around obstacles.
- Reduce impact on dispersed camping areas by choosing existing, previously disturbed sites. Do not create new sites in undisturbed areas.
- Let someone know the itinerary and time you expect to return. Share a plan of action if you miss anticipated check in times.
BLM provided additional information for “planning ahead” here.
