BLM access about to be lost
There is a fantastic BLM dispersed camping site in Colorado on the Arkansas River that is in danger of being converted from free BLM camping to an expensive, reservation only campground run by the sta...
Forum Discussion
4runnerguy wrote:
Second, as far as building a new state park, all that the state has done is take over all the BLM campsites along the river, raising the rates from $5 or $10 a night to $16 in addition to adding the need for a $7/day state parks pass. So the cost for essentially the same facilities as the BLM charged $5 to $10 a night is now up to $23 under state management. I hadn't heard about the state wanting to take over the Salida East site, but it doesn't surprise me. They are trying to force everyone to pay their exorbitant rates ...
:h In what universe is $16 a night (or even $23 a night) exhorbitant? Also, if you stay enough you can get an annual pass for $70. Colorado State Parks Pass
Having stayed at many free sites (mostly backpacking), they do get abused. People don't clean up after themselves, leave their trash, etc... This past summer on one backpacking trip, I carried out more weight than I carried in (and I had the food) after picking up trash at our last campsite.
BLM funding, along with other national public lands funding, has been cut in recent years and they no longer have the funds needed to provide enforcement and maintenance to clean up after these people, forcing other options. Suggested course of action: Write your congressman in support of higher federal income taxes with the money being spent on public lands.
