BLM seeks input for proposed vegetation treatments in Virginia and Maryland
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Falls Church, Va. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public comments on a draft environmental assessment evaluating potential impacts of removing excess vegetation from approximately 1,212 public acres near the District of Columbia, in Maryland and Virginia.
The BLM is considering removal methods, in close collaboration with local, state, and federal partners, including controlled burns and mechanical treatments such as pruning, chipping, and spraying. The treatments are meant to improve forest health, enhance habitat conditions for wildlife, and remove vegetation that may contribute to potential wildfires.
“Removing excess vegetation from these locations will help reduce the severity of potential wildfires and decrease the risk to life and adjacent property,” said Daniel Kasang, Lower Potomac Field Station manager. “We also aim to improve watershed and habitat conditions, increase the health and vigor of the native plant community, and control invasive plants.”
The BLM proposes to remove excess vegetation in early 2025 from 548 acres at Douglas Point Special Recreation Management Area and 11 acres at Maryland Point in Charles County, Maryland. The BLM also proposes to remove excess vegetation over several years starting in 2026 from 653 acres at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area in Lorton, Virginia.
Please visit the BLM National NEPA Register for more information and to provide comments through the “Participate Now” option. The comment period will close Oct. 28, 2024.
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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.