BLM seeks public comments on Areas of Critical Environmental Concern in southwest Colorado
Organization
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
DOLORES, Colo. – Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Tres Rios Field Office released a Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment and Preliminary Environmental Assessment to analyze 17 proposed Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) in San Miguel, San Juan, Dolores, Montezuma, and Montrose Counties. The BLM typically considers ACEC designation through its land use planning process for areas identified as having significant values or resources requiring special management protection.
“Many of these areas were initially identified in the Resource Management Plan (RMP) that was finalized in 2015, and an additional area was added based on public input received during the scoping period,” said Connie Clementson, BLM Tres Rios Field Manager. “As we complete the analysis, we will continue to work with the local community and our partners to ensure these areas support the BLMs multiple-use management.”
The preferred alternative designates one proposed ACEC (Mesa Verde Escarpment) and two existing ACECs (Ancestral Puebloan and Gypsum Valley) totaling 14,335 acres. In addition, the size of two existing ACECs would be reduced to provide for more focused management of the resources requiring special protection. A complete list of areas and corresponding details can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xnU6U.
The BLM has deferred consideration of the Dry Creek Basin and Northdale ACECs, both of which contain habitat for Gunnison Sage-Grouse, to the Gunnison Sage-Grouse Range-wide RMP Amendment. The Amendment will provide a range of management measures and outcomes for the areas, including possible ACEC designation.
Comments are most helpful if received by April 22, 2019 and should be sent to the BLM, Attn. Keith Fox, 29211 Hwy. 184, Dolores, CO, 81323 or submitted electronically to blm_co_trfo_acec@blm.gov.
Annually, the Tres Rios Field Office contributes over $94 million to the local economy with more than 3,000 jobs tied to public land management in southwest Colorado.
Before including your address, phone number, email address or other personally identifiable information in your comment, be aware that your entire comment, including your personally identifiable information, may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask the BLM in your comment to withhold your personally identifiable 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.