Forest Service hosting two Sweetwater planning public meetings this week
USFS PRESS RELEASE
June 3, 2024
The White River National Forest is hosting two public open house meetings this week to provide information and answer questions regarding the Sweetwater Lake Recreation Management and Development Project Environmental Impact Statement.
The first meeting will be Wednesday in Glenwood Springs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Glenwood Springs Branch Library Community Room, 815 Cooper Ave.; the second will be Thursday in Gypsum from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Gypsum Recreation Center Community Room, 52 Lundgren Blvd.
The White River National Forest is currently taking public comment on the proposed action for managing the Sweetwater Lake area. The proposal includes a new campground and day-use area, equestrian facilities and trails, cabins and a lodge building, administrative facilities, and improved lake access.
“Before we begin our detailed analysis of the proposal, we want to hear from the public,” said Eagle-Holy Cross District Ranger Leanne Veldhuis. “These open house meetings are designed to provide information and answer questions so that the public can provide more effective written comments.”
The Proposed Action would authorize a 20-year special use permit to Colorado Parks and Wildlife to implement and maintain improvements outlined in the proposed action on 832 acres of National Forest System lands surrounding Sweetwater Lake. It seeks to maintain the traditional recreational opportunities at Sweetwater while minimizing impacts to natural resources and other potential conflicts from increased public interest in recreating at Sweetwater.
Sweetwater Lake Recreation Management and Development Project comment page. Comments need to be received by Aug. 5, 2024.
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Comments sought on Sweetwater Lake Recreation Management and Development Project
USFS PRESS RELEASE
May 3, 2024
The White River National Forest announced that the 90-day public scoping period for the Sweetwater Lake Recreation Management and Development Project Environmental Impact Statement will begin May 6.
“Public involvement is an important part of determining the future of the Sweetwater Lake,” said Eagle-Holy Cross District Ranger Leanne Veldhuis. “This 90-day comment period offers the public an opportunity to provide their thoughts and concerns about our proposed action before we begin our detailed analysis in an environmental impact statement.”
The Proposed Action would authorize a 20-year special use permit to Colorado Parks and Wildlife to implement and maintain improvements outlined in the proposed action on 832 acres of National Forest System lands surrounding Sweetwater Lake. The project area includes 488 acres of land acquired in 2021 through the Land and Water Conservation Fund and 344 acres of previously existing National Forest System lands. It seeks to maintain the traditional recreational opportunities at Sweetwater while minimizing impacts to natural resources and other potential conflicts from increased public interest in recreating at Sweetwater.
Full news release is available online.
Comment page