The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Coeur d’Alene Field Office is seeking public input on proposed corrections to the Rochat Divide-Pine Creek Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) map. These corrections claim to clarify motorized route designations and associated restrictions within the SRMA, located just south of Pinehurst, Idaho, encompassing BLM-managed lands in Benewah, Kootenai, and Shoshone Counties. However, we have not been given the full extent of the information, and we are concerned that clerical “mapping corrections” are being used as a tool to close routes. The 2007 RMP states that the BLM can add additional routes on a yearly basis. If you have on the ground knowledge of this area, we need your help submitting comments regarding specific routes and areas that you know.
Submit Your Comment Below!
Background: The 2007 Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan (RMP) apparently included a map that designated specific routes for motorized travel. However, the BLM has claimed that many of the 2007 map changes have been implemented on the ground and that current maps do not reflect what the 2007 RMP directed such as:
- Some routes depicted on the map did not exist.
- Certain routes lacked public use easements.
- Some routes were designated as closed to public use or for administrative use only.
The BLM claim that these inconsistencies have caused challenges in map interpretation, enforcement, and public understanding of permissible motorized routes.
Proposed Corrections: The BLM proposes to update the Rochat Divide-Pine Creek SRMA portion of the 2007 map to:
- Remove non-existent routes.
- Remove all the black lined routes on Map 4.
- Exclude routes without public use easements.
- Clearly indicate routes closed to public use or designated for administrative use only.
Public Participation: The BLM invites public comments on these proposed map corrections. The comment period is open through December 6, 2024 December 11, 2024.
You can see on the first map what is currently on the ground. Yellow indicates BLM land all black lines would be removed as you can see in the second map ultimately closing hundreds of routes.
