BLM Vernal Field Office seeks public comment on proposed vegetation treatments in Greater sage-grouse habitat
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VERNAL, Utah – The Bureau of Land Management Vernal Field Office (VFO) is seeking public comment on two environmental assessments for a vegetation treatment project in Uintah County. The Miners Draw project, located six miles east of Jensen, and the Augusi Canyon project, located 53 miles south of Jensen, have been proposed to reduce hazardous fuels in greater sage grouse habitat.
“Both projects will reduce fire frequency and limit large fire growth,” said Chris Deets, Fire Management Officer VFO. “The reduction of the encroaching pinyon/juniper will also improve wildlife habitat.”
The proposed actions are needed primarily to reduce the risk of large wildfires and improve wildlife habitat for a variety of sagebrush steppe species. Treatment work is expected to occur in the fall, August 31 – December 1. These dates would avoid sage grouse brooding and nesting season, deer fawning season, and the elk and deer wintering season. The Environmental Assessments are available for review at the following ePlanning links: The Miners Draw: https://go.usa.gov/xQ4Ya. The Augusi Canyon: https://go.usa.gov/xQ4Yr.
Written comments will be accepted until May 14. Comments may be submitted by email at UT_Vernal_Comments@blm.gov. Written comments may also be sent via mail to Stephanie Howard, BLM Vernal Field Office, 170 South 500 East, Vernal, Utah 84078. Please reference “Miners Draw” or “Augusi Canyon” when submitting comments.
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 Stephanie Howard at 435-781-4400. 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.