BLM seeks comment on Case Mountain vegetation and forest health plan
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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office is seeking public comment on the vegetation and forest health plan environmental assessment and the unsigned finding of no significant impact for the giant sequoia groves on Case Mountain, southeast of Three Rivers, Tulare County. The 30-day public comment period will close June 13.
The environmental assessment analyzes a range of alternatives for managing the Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area, which encompasses approximately 18, 500 acres of public lands. Included within this area is the 400-acre Giant Sequoia Complex, which supports six distinct giant sequoia groves, sensitive plants and animals, riverbank ecosystems and areas of cultural significance.
The BLM’s proposed action involves a 10-year phased approach starting with road work and roadside thinning; then mechanized extraction, logging and cable yarding within the groves; and ultimately using prescribed controlled burning to improve the vegetation and forest health.
The BLM is working with its partners to cut down on regulatory burdens and streamline planning. As such, this environmental assessment includes proposed treatments on private lands to meet the California Environmental Quality Act needs. The BLM and its partners expect to reach a decision by fall 2018.
Comments helpful to the BLM include supporting scientific information, documentation and data relevant to the uses of the land. To ensure public input is included in the assessment, submit written comments via email to BLM_CA_Case_Mtn@blm.gov; through the ePlanning website at https://eplanning.blm.gov/epl-front-office/eplanning/planAndProjectSite.do?methodName=renderDefaultPlanOrProjectSite&projectId=94161&dctmId=0b0003e88102604b; by hand-delivery or by mail to the Bakersfield Field Office, Attn: Case Mountain Vegetation and Forest Health Plan, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308. For more information, visit the ePlanning website listed above.
Before including addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, or other personal identifying information in a comment, be aware that the entire comment—including personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While the public may ask the BLM to withhold personal identifying information from public review, the BLM cannot guarantee that 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.