Public comment period for HAMET proposal begins, public meeting scheduled

Organization:

BLM Colorado State Office

BLM Office:

Royal Gorge Field Office

Media Contact:

Kyle Sullivan, BLM
Dani Johnson, Fort Carson

CAÑON CITY, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management Royal Gorge Field Office wants your input on Fort Carson’s proposal to use public lands for helicopter training.

The BLM and Fort Carson are hosting a public meeting on Oct. 7 at the Abbey Event Complex, Benedictine Room, 2951 E. U.S. 50, Cañon City, CO 81212. The public meeting will run from 5:30-7:30 pm, with a presentation scheduled for 6 pm.

Fort Carson has used public lands in the Royal Gorge Field Office for High Altitude Mountain Environment Training since 2010 on a temporary and infrequent basis. In 2013, Fort Carson requested a longer term agreement with the BLM for HAMET activities. The HAMET program is designed to provide pilots experience flying and landing helicopters in high elevation, mountainous terrain.

Fort Carson has submitted a Plan of Development to the BLM. The BLM is analyzing this plan through an open public process, and would like your help to identify what issues and concerns should be addressed in the environmental assessment before the BLM begins drafting the document.

For more information about the use of BLM lands for HAMET activities, please visit the Royal Gorge Field Office website at https://www.blm.gov/colorado

This scoping period will run from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1, 2014.   Comments concerning the proposed action, alternatives and identification of environmental issues are most helpful. For additional information or to submit a comment, please contact Nancy Keohane at 719-269-8531 or email comments to rgfo_comments@blm.gov. Keep up with Royal Gorge Field Office planning efforts here.


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.