BLM seeks input for new Castner Glacier Recreation Area Management Plan
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GLENNALLEN, Alaska– The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public input to develop a recreation plan for managing the Castner Glacier area to better serve its estimated 12,000 annual visitors and the growing demand for recreation opportunities there. The scoping period for this project runs from February 13 to March 14 and includes a virtual public meeting on February 14.
The approximately 4,695-acre Castner Glacier area provides year-round outdoor recreation and glacier viewing opportunities in a natural setting. The area is 48 miles from the nearest town (Delta Junction) and 104 miles from the BLM’s Glennallen Field Office and includes little infrastructure development or basic services.
The BLM will use input from this scoping period, including input from affected user groups, agencies, Tribal consultations, and members of the public to draft a Castner Glacier Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP) and Environmental Assessment (EA). This scoping period provides the public the opportunity to submit ideas, comments, and concerns for the BLM to consider when developing this RAMP and EA. The public is encouraged to consider the following questions when commenting:
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What types of recreation activities and opportunities are suitable for Castner Glacier?
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To what extent should use permits be modified, enhanced, and/or expanded?
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What limitations and restrictions, if any, are needed?
The public can attend the 5:30pm February 14 virtual scoping meeting by pre-registering at the BLM National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Register project webpage. The public may also review all meeting materials and submit comment on the same project webpage by clicking on the green “participate now” link. Comments postmarked by March 14 will also be accepted by postal mail:
Bureau of Land Management
Attn: Castner Glacier RAMP and EA
P.O. Box 147
Glennallen, AK 99588
For additional information, contact Outdoor Recreation Planner Cory Larson at 907-822-3217 or c05larso@blm.gov.
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.