BLM seeks public comment on proposed creek erosion mitigation
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MEEKER, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a preliminary environmental assessment of a proposal to re-route a section of East Douglas Creek on BLM-managed lands about 25 miles south of Rangely.
Rio Blanco County is proposing to re-channel the creek to direct flows away from an eroding cut-bank that is encroaching on County Road 27 and has already exposed buried natural gas pipelines.
“Approximately 40 feet of streambank has eroded in this area since 1993, and currently only 20 feet remains between the eroding bank of East Douglas Creek and County Road 27,” said BLM White River Field Manager Kent Walter. “We are working very closely with the County, and we believe this proposal is a workable solution that also creates new wetland habitat.”
The new 157-foot channel would cut off an oxbow at its narrowest spot and redirect flows away from the cut-bank without impeding downstream flows. It would result in approximately 850 feet of abandoned stream channel being converted to a backwater wetland, including a 0.5-acre pond that will provide additional flood surge protection.
More details about the proposal and how to comment are available at https://go.usa.gov/xUWDj.
The BLM will accept public comments through Aug. 8, 2018. Comments may be submitted by email to jdoll@blm.gov or by mail to BLM WRFO, 220 East Market St., Meeker, CO 81641.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
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.