BLM seeks input on its plan for aquatic and riparian restoration projects in Alaska
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ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public input to help develop a programmatic National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document that will analyze aquatic and riparian habitat restoration activities on BLM-administered lands in Alaska. This effort’s goal is to increase the pace and scale of the BLM’s aquatic and riparian restoration projects in Alaska to address legacy impacts from historic land use practices, many of which occurred in the late 1800s to mid 1900s.
“The BLM has worked to restore stream habitats over the last ten years,” said Matt Varner, Fisheries Resources Lead for the Aquatic Resources Program. “We are excited about this programmatic NEPA document and the potential efficiencies it could create for implementation of future restoration projects that will benefit Alaska’s aquatic species and habitats and Alaskans.”
Proposed activities would occur on up to five miles of stream and associated habitats annually across the proposed project planning area. The scope of actions being considered in this process includes:
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In-stream and floodplain enhancements (pond, lake, and wetland restoration), including the addition of large woody debris and other in-stream structures;
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Streambank enhancement, head-cut stabilization, and restored channel alignment; and
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Plantings and vegetation treatments.
For more information on this project or to submit scoping comments by November 13, 2023, please visit the project ePlanning page. For additional information on this project, please contact Matt Varner, Project Lead, at mvarner@blm.gov or (907) 271-3348.
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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.