Comment on FR Doc # N/A

RE: Considering Lands with Wilderness Characteristics Manual 6320 91 FR 35996 I am writing on behalf of Dolores River Boating Advocates, a 501c(3) based in Montezuma County, Colorado. We focus on the health, recreation, and stewardship of the Dolores River. We oppose any revision to BLM Manual 6320, Considering Lands with Wilderness Characteristics in Land Use Planning that would weaken protection for lands with wilderness characteristics. The Dolores River flows through primarily Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in Colorado and Utah. Many of these lands are very remote and challenging to access, with the agency deeming thousands of acres as Lands With Wilderness Characteristics (LWCs). These canyons support rare plant species, provide habitat for migratory birds, sensitive native fish species, and wildlife. The inherent geography of this region makes it an obvious choice to be managed as wilderness — it is ridiculous to open up these areas for other uses as it would be inefficient, unnecessary, and harm the many benefits these lands bring as functioning ecosystems. As a tributary to the Colorado River, the Dolores River provides water for drinking and agriculture for millions of people. Wilderness quality lands help ensure natural water filtration to reduce pollution, maintain healthy riparian lands, and reduce possible degradation to increasingly scarce water sources. It is already possible to conduct prescribed fires and fight wildfires that threaten human values in these areas, meaning that the management is flexible. Furthermore, I have been involved in projects that help restoration and vegetation thinning, and simple analyses are all that is required to conduct these kinds of projects that involve mechanical tools. In summary, we believe that the policies and management of LWCs do not require revision and are critical to our human health, wildlife values, and recreation. Sincerely, Rica Fulton Advocacy and Stewardship Director