ANCHORAGE, Alaska (BRAIN) — The Bureau of Land Management is considering allowing e-bikes on the Campbell Tract, which is a 730-acre Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) here.
The BLM is holding a hearing March 21 at the BLM Campbell Creek Science Center in Anchorage to gather public input. A 30-day formal public comment period will follow.
"This is an exciting opportunity for the public to weigh in and provide input on how they would like to see our public lands managed, not just now, but into the future as well," said acting BLM Anchorage District Manager Nicole Hayes. "We look forward to hearing what our visitors and recreators have to say."
Nearly 500,000 people visit the Campbell Tract each year, with the Campbell Tract SRMA supporting recreation activities like running, mountain and fat tire biking, orienteering, horseback riding, and Nordic skiing. However, the Ring of Fire Resource Management Plan designated the recreation site as non-motorized, closing it to all motorized use on designated routes, including e-bikes.
The recreational opportunities and use on the Campbell Tract and adjacent municipal park lands are managed by the BLM and the Municipality of Anchorage, which allows Class 1 e-bikes on connecting trails. As visitation has grown, additional consideration is warranted for motorized vehicle use or off-highway vehicle designation within the Campbell Tract, according to the BLM.
Maps and other planning documents associated with the project can be found on the BLM National NEPA Register website on the Campbell Tract OHV amendment designation project page.
