BLM extends comment period on Scratchgravel Hills trails plan to Oct. 6
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BUTTE, Mont. – Those hoping to weigh in on the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed recreation plan for the Scratchgravel Hills near Helena now have until Oct. 6 to do so after the agency’s Butte Field Office extended the public comment period.
The proposed Scratchgravel Hills Recreation Area Management Plan considers development of 40 miles of new trails that would be open to biking, hiking, trail running, disc golf and equestrian use. The current proposed action considers e-bikes less than 1 horsepower.
“We have heard from many different recreationists within the Helena community, all of whom highly value this area,” said Lindsey Babcock, Acting Butte Field Manager. “Community members are having conversations and they are attempting to work with each other to submit comments that build on understanding and communication across user groups. We want to allow time for those conversations to fully develop.”
The Scratchgravel Hills plan was initially released for public comment on June 24; that comment period has subsequently been extended once.
“While we are not always able to provide public comment periods of this length, we are interested in the ongoing dialogue and the potential for good ideas to surface through people working together to provide public comments that consider each other’s viewpoints. We also appreciate the engagement of the Lewis and Clark County Commissioners,” Babcock added.
To view details about the plan, go to the BLM project e-planning site at https://eplanning.blm.gov/ and, choosing the Montana/Dakotas and Butte Field Office options, search for “Scratchgravel.” Comments may be emailed to bcolin@blm.gov or, via mail, to Bureau of Land Management-Butte Field Office, ATTN: Scratchgravel RAMP, 106 N. Parkmont, Butte, MT 59701.
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.