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BLM Seeks Nominations for Areas of Environmental Concern for Bering Sea-Western Interior planning area

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ANCHORAGE -- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking nominations for Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) as part of its Bering Sea-Western Interior Resource Management Plan (RMP), now under development. The BLM will accept ACEC nominations until August 29, 2014.

ACEC designations highlight areas of BLM-managed public land where special management attention is needed to protect important historical, cultural, and scenic values; fish or wildlife resources or other natural systems or processes; or human life and safety from natural hazards.

Five designated ACECs currently exist within the Bering Sea-Western Interior planning area: Anvik River, North River, Unalakleet River, Peregrine Falcon Nesting Habitat, and Kuskokwim River Raptor Nesting Habitat. The BLM will review the existing ACECs to determine whether they should be maintained, modified, or dropped. The BLM will also consider new ACECs.

If you wish to nominate ACECs in the Bering Sea-Western Interior planning area, we ask that you provide as much information as possible with your nomination. The following will help the BLM evaluate nominations:

  • Name and location of nominated area (legal land description, if possible)
  • Map of nominated ACEC area with well-defined boundaries
  • Reason or basis for nomination
  • Reference material or online sources where BLM can obtain additional information or data about the area

The nomination form and additional information about how to prepare a nomination are available online at www.blm.gov/ak/planning/bswi. Submit nominations to BSWI_RMP_Comment@blm.gov or the BLM Anchorage Field Office, 4700 BLM Road, Anchorage, AK 99507.

The Bering Sea-Western Interior RMP will guide management of BLM administered public land for the next 15-20 years.
For additional information, contact Project Manager Jorjena Daly at jdaly@blm.gov or (907) 267-1317.

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.