BLM seeks public input on proposal to mitigate wildfire risk near Castle Valley, Utah
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MOAB, Utah – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking comments on an environmental assessment (EA) analyzing a proposal to treat vegetation and fuels as part of a wildfire mitigation project near Castle Valley, Utah. The proposal covers approximately 1,400 acres of fuel breaks within a larger 7,500-acre planning and analysis area.
The BLM has worked extensively with partners, including the community of Castle Valley, private landowners, county, state, and federal agencies, to identify concerns and support community efforts to be fire-wise. Based on community input, the methods proposed include thinning trees, lopping and scattering slash, prescribed burning of piles, mowing cheatgrass, and seeding where necessary. They do not include heavy equipment or herbicides.
The proposed treatments are part of a larger national wildfire reduction strategy guided by the president’s Executive Order (E.O.) 13855 – Promoting Active Management of America’s Forests, Rangelands, and Other Federal Lands to Improve Conditions and Reduce Wildfire Risk, as well as Secretarial Order (S.O.) 3372 – Reducing Wildfire Risks on Department of the Interior Land through Active Management. The two orders direct the BLM and other Interior and Department of Agriculture agencies to implement policies to improve forest and rangeland management practices by reducing hazardous fuel loads, mitigating fire risk and ensuring the safety and stability of local communities through active management on forests and rangelands.
The proposed treatments are designed to reduce hazardous fuels and create more defensible space near Castle Valley. Developed by experienced range management and wildfire experts, the proposed treatments are expected to help create a more fire-resilient landscape and enhance the ability to fight wildfire in the area. Alternatives considered and potential impacts to various resources are discussed in the EA.
The EA, associated map, and additional information are available for review and comment on the BLM’s ePlanning project webpage at: https://bit.ly/2UbfuS3. Comments must be submitted by June 22, 2019.
Comments may be submitted directly through the ePlanning website or by letter:
- From the ePlanning website, click on the “Comment on Document” button and follow instructions for submitting comments
- Bureau of Land Management: Attention: Joshua Relph, 82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT 84532
The BLM is seeking comments that provide additional facts or information, suggest corrections, and/or specifically address the proposal. Please be aware that your entire comment – including personal identifying information – may be made publicly available.
For additional information about this proposal, please contact Jason Kirks, Fuels Manager, at (435) 259-2100. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at (800) 877-8339 to leave a message or question. The FRS is available 24/7. 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.