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BLM seeks input on programmatic analysis for aquatic restoration projects in Alaska

Alaska
Media Contact
Charlie Ebbers

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is accepting public comments on a draft programmatic environmental assessment (EA) analyzing the impacts of potential aquatic and riparian habitat restoration and rehabilitation activities on BLM-managed lands in Alaska. This 30-day public comment period, which closes May 1, 2024, is the next step in this effort to increase the pace and scale of BLM’s aquatic and riparian restoration projects that address legacy impacts from historic land use.  

This programmatic analysis assesses the impacts of a range of potential activities that could reestablish or improve stream and floodplain habitat on BLM-managed lands across Alaska including within the Yukon and Kuskokwim River watersheds. Proposed activities would occur on up to five miles of stream and associated habitats annually across the proposed project planning area. 

“The BLM is proud of the work we’ve done with partners over the last ten years to restore and rehabilitate degraded habitat impacted by past land uses” said Matt Varner, Fisheries Resources Lead for the Aquatic Resources Program, “We look forward to getting input and comments on this analysis so we can be best positioned to address those residual impacts to aquatic and riparian habitats for the benefit of aquatic species and ecosystems.”  

To learn more about this effort or to submit comments by the May 1 deadline, visit the BLM National NEPA Register project page.  

For additional information on this project, please contact Carrie Cecil, Project Manager, at ccecil@blm.gov or (907) 205-7801. 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.