BLM seeks input on draft management plan for Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River
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FAIRBANKS, Alaska — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public review and input on a draft comprehensive river management plan and environmental analysis for the Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River near Central, Alaska. BLM requests comments, including additional information and science that should be considered, by November 8, 2023.
The draft analysis considers a range of potential management actions to protect and enhance the values that led Birch Creek to become part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. The selected management actions will be incorporated into a final plan, which will update the existing 1983 River Management Plan.
“Birch Creek and the Nation’s other Wild and Scenic Rivers help protect water quality, maintain biodiversity and increase landscape resilience for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations,” said BLM Eastern Interior Field Manager Tim Hammond. “As we look to the future of Birch Creek, we want to hear from the public about how we can best manage uses and resources while protecting wild river values that make Birch Creek special to so many people.”
Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River was designated by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980. Much of Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River flows through the mountains of the Steese National Conservation Area before entering the broad expanse of the Yukon Flats in central Alaska. The river offers one-week float trips notable not only for scenery and remoteness but for convenience – visitors can access both ends of the ‘wild’ river segment from BLM recreation sites along the Steese Highway.
To learn more about the planning project, review the draft comprehensive river management plan and environmental analysis, or provide your input on management of the Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River online, visit the NEPA Register project page. You can also provide your comments by mail or hand delivery to ATTN: Birch Creek, BLM Eastern Interior Field Office, 222 University Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709; or by email to BirchCreek@blm.gov. To finalize the analysis, BLM requests input by November 8, 2023.
For more information about the draft, please contact Collin Cogley at the BLM Eastern Interior Field Office at 907-474-2200.
-BLM-
Bureau Of Land Management, Fairbanks District Office, 222 University Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99709
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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.