The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Richfield Field Office is seeking public feedback on a proposed developed campground east of Torrey, Utah, near Capitol Reef National Park.
The proposed Beas Lewis Flat Campground would include up to 45 campsites and limit dispersed camping in the surrounding area.
Located off Beas Lewis Flat Road, the area is already a popular destination for dispersed camping due to its proximity to national parks and other outdoor recreation sites.
The BLM’s proposal aims to accommodate increasing visitor numbers while protecting natural resources.
“We’re proposing this action to proactively manage the growing impacts of dispersed camping along State Route 24, which have increased due to rising visitation in the area,” Richfield Field Manager David Mortensen said in a press release.
“This proposed plan allows us to enhance public safety, improve the amenities available to visitors, and better protect the area’s natural resources by guiding use to specific areas,” Mortensen added.
The proposed campground is part of the agency’s broader strategy to manage recreation on public lands by guiding development and mitigating environmental degradation.
Limiting dispersed camping in this location is intended to preserve sensitive habitat and minimize human impact.
The BLM is also encouraging public participation in the planning process. Input is being solicited on potential impacts to local resources, alternative approaches that address growing camping demand, and opportunities for collaboration with local organizations or agencies.
The agency is also open to receiving ideas for future projects in the area that align with its management goals.
Comments will be accepted from July 30 through Aug. 14. Feedback submitted during this period will help shape the assessment and inform final decisions on the campground proposal.
The BLM manages approximately 245 million acres of public lands, primarily in 12 western states, including Utah and Alaska. The agency is also responsible for overseeing 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate.