U.S. Air Force and BLM want your input
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SALT LAKE CITY -- Today, the U.S. Air Force and the Bureau of Land Management released a draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a 30-day public comment period ending on May 9. The MOA identifies the roles and responsibilities of the two agencies during the cooperative temporary closures of eight buffer areas adjacent to the Utah Test and Training Range on BLM-managed lands in Utah’s West Desert for the execution of military operations. Comments provided by the public will be considered in preparation of the final MOA.
The MOA was written in accordance with the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA also implemented a Community Resource Advisory Group made up of agency leadership, Utah congressional constituents, county commissioners, and user groups to minimize the impact to public lands and its users. The temporary closures will be in effect for the minimum time required to complete military operations and allow for a rapid reopening of public lands.
Public safety is of utmost importance when preparing for and executing military operations. The agencies will work with local law enforcement and media outlets to ensure timely notification of the temporary closures and full evacuation of the buffer areas.
The public can view the draft MOA and submit comments electronically on the BLM’s ePlanning website: https://go.usa.gov/xQ469. Alternatively, written comments may be mailed to the address below:
Attn: Matt Preston
BLM Salt Lake Field Office
2370 S. Decker Lake Blvd.
West Valley City, UT 84119
Before including your address, phone number, email 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.