As you may recall, Sheridan Community Land Trust has begun work on an ongoing trails project on Red Grade Road at the base of the Bighorns, and they’re moving forward. The Buffalo Field Office of the BLM is taking public comments on the environmental assessment part of the proposed trail system, and the deadline is coming before you know it; June 5th.

The Land Trust encourages folks to seek out as much information as they can about the Red Grade Trails project, and the BLM’s asssessment before making comments. This trail system will not only benefit the Big Horn and Story area, but Sheridan County as a whole.

There are two ways to leave comments, either online or via regular mail. Written comments can be sent to the following address:
Red Grade Trail Project Environmental Analysis;
Attention: Tom Bills, Planning and Environmental Coordinator;
1425 Fort Street, Buffalo, WY 82834.

The BLM wants to know why the project is important to the commentor, how the trails would benefit them, and how much they use the Red Grade area or if there are new ways it could benefit the area.

Public comment is crucial to this project which already has broad support from a number of entities, including the Sheridan Chamber, County Commissioners, Travel and Tourism, Forward Sheridan, Sheridan College, the YMCA, Brinton, Bomber Mountain Cycling Club, Backcountry Horsemen, and Pure Energy Fitness to name a few.

What has been proposed is 33.8 miles of non-motorized trails, to be located entirely on public lands off Red Grade. These public lands include US Forest Service, BLM, and State. It is expected to be a five year project with six stages.

SCLT believes the trails will help build healthy communities along with improving the local economy.
These additional details can be found here.