BLM Rock Springs protects Parting of the Ways Historic Site from mining activity
Withdraws 40 acres of public land from mining activity for 20 years
by Bureau of Land Management
June 7, 2012
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Rock Springs Field Office published a Public Land Order today (Tuesday, June 5, 2012) in the Federal Register withdrawing 40 acres of public land from surface entry and mining for a period of 20 years to protect the Parting of the Ways Historic Site.
The site is located in the northeastern portion of the Green River Basin, in Sweetwater County, approximately 12 miles northeast of Farson, Wyoming. The withdrawal protects the unique archeological, historical, geological, and recreational values of this area. The Parting of the Ways marks an historic fork in the Emigrant Trail where travelers had to decide whether to stay on the main track heading southwest toward Fort Bridger, taking a longer route, but one which had available water. The other alternative was for travelers to veer right taking the Sublette Cutoff which was a shorter 50 mile path without water. The historic site has pristine integrity, both in terms of physical trail remains and environmental setting. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lands surrounding the historic site are public lands managed by the BLM. The Parting of the Ways Historic Site lies on the congressionally designated historic trail system covering the Mormon, Pioneer, Oregon, California, and Pony Express trails. The site has great historical significance and was previously protected by a withdrawal which expired in 2006. The purpose of this action is to re-establish the withdrawal protecting the site.
The Notice of Proposed Withdrawal and Opportunity for Public Meeting was published in the Federal Register on November 24, 2008. For more information contact Diane Schurman, (307) 775-6189, dschurma@blm.gov; or Patricia Hamilton, (307) 352-0334, phamilto@blm.gov.
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