Two BLM manuals address the process by which Travel Plans are created and managed. The planning process is covered in a 148-page manual titled: “H-8342 Travel and Transportation Handbook (Public)” (Link: https://www.ntc.blm.gov/krc/uploads/750/8342%20-%20TTM%20Planning%20Handbook.pdf). Local copy is HERE. The explanation of the material in H-8342 is:
“This Handbook provides specific guidance for preparing, amending, revising, maintaining, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating BLM land use and travel management plans. It provides further guidance related to the objectives, authorities, responsibilities, and policy considerations outlined in Manual Section 1626, Travel and Transportation Management. The material in this Handbook will replace the previous guidance issued in Appendix C, section II. D of the Land Use Planning Handbook (H-1601-1).”
The management of the plan is covered in a 44-page manual titled: 1626 – Travel and Transportation Management Manual (Public) (Link: https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Media%20Center%20BLM%20Policy%20Manual%20MS%201626.pdf). A Local copy is HERE. The explanation of the material in 1626 is:
“This release transmits the revised Travel and Transportation Management (TTM) Manual. This Manual provides detailed policy, direction and guidance for the comprehensive management of travel and transportation on Bureau of Land Management-administered lands and related waters.”
Of particular note, Section V. Travel and Transportation Management Planning-Implementation Level reads:
“The designation of the individual roads, primitive roads and trails, whether completed concurrent with the RMP or deferred in the RMP, are addressed as an implementation level plan tiered from the RMP. Travel and transportation decisions can be developed as a stand-alone Travel Management Plan (TMP) or incorporated into activity management plans, such as those for recreation or energy. The TTM planning should be completed within five (5) years of the signing of the ROD for the RMP. The TTM implementation plan should be developed using an ID team to address all resource uses, including administrative, recreation, commercial and associated modes of travel (motorized, mechanized and non-motorized types).”
fTWC Comment: In other words, given that the signing of the Record of Decision for the UDRMP was in 2005, the development of a Travel Plan for the Tumalo Natural Area is over 15 years late.
Additionally, in March 2018, BLM put out a document entitled: 5-Year Travel and Transportation Management Strategy (2018-2022). This is written for general audiences.
- Page 7 lists the “Special Considerations in TTMP” which include “Protection of sensitive species”.
- Page 9 displays a graph which indicates that TTMP completion in Oregon by 2022 are estimated to “12” leaving “111” to be completed after 2022 (89%).
The point of this preamble is to frame expectations for those wondering when a Travel Plan may be possible and to emphasize the necessity to accelerate a process to at least protect the A. Peckii. I’m given to understand in conversations with BLM Prineville management that GIS work is underway to lay the “groundwork” for amending the errors in the current UDRMP and development of the Travel Plan. According to an on-line meeting with BLM in spring 2021, a Travel Plan for this area will not be considered until TID completes its piping project. The timeline for completion of Group 4 of the project which is within the AoC is unknown with funding currently not secured. The Tumalo Irrigation Page is HERE.