BLM Seeks Public Comment on the Bison Fence Environmental Assessment
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PRICE, Utah – The BLM Price Field Office is seeking public comment on the Bison Fence Environmental Assessment. The project, in partnership with the Utah Grazing Improvement Program and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, is an effort to reduce the number of Bison migrating off of tribal lands and in the Desolation Canyon Wilderness Study Area (WSA).
Tribal bison are encroaching on state and private lands along Range Creek and other drainages and consuming forage currently managed for livestock and wildlife. The proposal includes construction of a rail fence at a strategic location four miles in Desolation Canyon WSA. Construction will be completed before the next Bison migration.
"We are pleased to be working with our partners,” said Green River District Manager, Gary Torres. “Together we are trying to solve issues on the ground in practical ways that are respectful of our mandates to protect public lands and still allow for multiple uses."
The Environmental Assessment is available for review at the following ePlanning links: https://go.usa.gov/xUFGm. The 14-day comment period will begin Aug. 15 and end on Aug. 29. Comments may be submitted by email at blm_ut_pr_comments@blm.gov. Written comments may also be sent via mail to BLM Price Field Office, 125 South 600 West, Price, Utah 84501. Please reference “Bison Fence” when submitting comments. Mail must be post marked by Aug. 29.
The most useful comments are those that contain new technical or scientific information relevant to the proposed action. Comments which contain only opinions or preferences will not receive a formal response but may be considered in the BLM decision-making process. The entire comment—including personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time.
For additional information, please contact Karl Ivory at 435-636-3600. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800- 877-8339 to leave a message or question for the above individual. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.
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.