NEWS RELEASE

 

For Immediate Release:  September 18, 2002                                                                      

Contact:  Doran Sanchez (909) 697-5220; E-MAIL: dasanche@ca.blm.gov

CA-610-02-83

 

BLM Extends Public Comment on Development of Draft Management Documents

 

In an effort to gather additional public comments and recommendations on the preparation of a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) and proposed amendment to the 1980 California Desert Conservation Area Plan that will establish route designation in the Surprise Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern, the Bureau of Land Management has extended the public comment period to October 3, 2002. Surprise Canyon is located in the Panamint Mountains in Inyo County, CA. 

 

The Draft EIS will evaluate a full range of alternatives regarding access into the Surprise Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC).   Upon completion of the EIS and decision processes, BLM will issue a Record of Decision that will amend the 1980 California Desert Conservation Area Plan.

 

Comments should be sent to Hector Villalobos, Field Manager, Bureau of Land Management, Ridgecrest Field Office, 300 S. Richmond Road, Ridgecrest, CA 93555.  Public comments must be postmarked by October 3, 2002.

 

Comments, including names and addresses of respondents, will be available for public review at the Ridgecrest Field Office during normal working hours (7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays), and may be published as part of the environmental Impact Statement or other related documents. Individuals may request confidentiality.

 

If you wish to withhold your name or address from public review or from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, you must state this at the beginning of your comment letter. Such requests will be honored to the extent allowed by law.  All submissions from organizations or businesses will be made available for public inspection in their entirety.

 

 For more information contact Jeffrey B. Aardahl in the BLM Ridgecrest Field Office at (760) 384-5420, or e-mail at jaardahl@ca.blm.gov.

 

-BLM-

 

California Desert District Office - 6221 Box Springs Blvd, Riverside, California - (909) 697-5220