BLM and USDA Forest Service Host Public Scoping Meetings for Bears Ears National Monument
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MONTICELLO, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service will host three in-person and two virtual public scoping meetings as part of the ongoing land use planning for Bears Ears National Monument. The public is encouraged to help identify issues or concerns that should be addressed in the planning process; input will help set the parameters and scope for the new resource management plan.
“Our BLM and USDA Forest Service team is committed to developing an effective management plan for Bears Ears National Monument,” said BLM Monticello Field Manager Jake Palma. “These scoping meetings are an important opportunity for the public to inform the direction of the management plan, and we look forward to engaging with all who participate in this phase of the planning process.”
“Early participation from our partners and the public is critical,” said USDA Forest Service Moab and Monticello District Ranger Michael Engelhart. “While the land use planning process has multiple stages of public involvement, the sooner we hear from the public in the process, the more opportunities we have to use that feedback to shape the final plans.”
The agencies invite members of the public to attend virtual public meetings via the Zoom for Government platform. Advanced registration will allow attendees to receive meeting reminders but is not required. Upon registration, an email containing your unique link to join the meeting will be provided.
Virtual public scoping meetings are scheduled as follows (all times are Mountain Daily Time):
- Sept. 21, 2022, from 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Register for this Zoom meeting here: https://bit.ly/3pStrpY
- Oct. 5, 2022, from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Register for this Zoom meeting here: https://bit.ly/3pVgJqy
The BLM invites members of the public to attend in-person, open house-style public scoping meetings scheduled as follows:
- Sept. 14, 2022, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Monument Valley High School, 100 N Cougar Lane, Highway 163, Monument Valley, UT 84536
- Sept. 28, 2022, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Utah State University Blanding Arts and Event Center - 576 W 200 S, Blanding, Utah 84511
- Oct. 12, 2022, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Marriott Albuquerque - 2101 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87110
In-person meetings will provide opportunities for the public to speak with resource specialists, ask questions and submit written comments. Depending on COVID-19 transmission levels in communities at the time, masks may be required, and other precautions could be in place. The virtual meetings will also provide opportunities to ask questions in writing. Members of the public may send reasonable requests for accommodation and questions in advance of the meetings to the project manager at BLM_UT_MT_Comments@blm.gov or by calling 435-587-1500. Written comments may be submitted anytime through Oct. 31, 2022, via mail at ATTN: BENM RMP Project Manager, BLM Monticello Field Office, 365 North Main Monticello, P.O. Box 7, Utah 84535 or via the ePlanning project page at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2020347/510.
Before including an address, phone number, email address or other personally identifiable information in any comments, be aware the entire comment — including personal identifying information — may be made publicly available at any time. Requests to withhold personal identifying information from public review can be submitted, but the BLM cannot guarantee it will be able to do so.
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.