CODY — The Bureau of Land Management Cody Field Office has released an environmental assessment that analyzes a trail system for the Outlaw Trails area, located north of Cody in Park County. The public comment period is open Aug. 1–30.  

As recreational use increases in the Newton Lake Ridge Special Recreation Management Area, an official trail system is needed to address sustainability, user conflicts and safety issues. 

“We’ve heard from the residents of Park County that they’d like trails to be designated and maintained by the BLM in the Outlaw Trails area,” said Cody Field Manager Cade Powell. “By working on this plan with the community and local and state agencies, we hope to provide a quality experience for various types of recreation including mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding and single-track motorized use.” 

The popular area currently contains a network of unauthorized trails on BLM and Bureau of Reclamation-administered lands used by both motorized and non-motorized recreationists. The BLM proposes to officially designate a mix of existing and new trails for uses including motorized, non-motorized and e-bikes. 

Over the past few years, the Cody Field Office has hosted and participated in public meetings and onsite visits to discuss conflicts between user groups and the need for a shared trail approach. A small working group representing varied recreational uses was formed to propose specific trail designations, which informed the BLM’s analysis. 

The environmental assessment is available for review and comment on our ePlanning website at eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2021725/510 (“Documents” in left sidebar navigation). Submit your input by Aug. 30, 2023.  

For more information, contact the Cody Field Office at 307-578-5900.