For Release: Feb. 10, 2004
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332; Bob Wick (707) 825-2300
CA-N-04-34

PUBLIC MEETINGS SET FOR KING RANGE PLAN REVIEW

Meetings will be held in five Northern California locations in February and early March to provide public comment opportunities on a draft management plan and environmental impact statement (EIS) for the King Range National Conservation Area (NCA).

The Bureau of Land Management's draft resource management plan and EIS describe a range of alternatives for managing about 69,000 acres including the King Range NCA and adjoining public lands. The plan will provide guidance for the next 20 years.

Public comment meetings will be held as follows:

• Monday, Feb. 23, Mattole Community Center, 29230 Mattole Rd., Petrolia
• Tuesday, Feb. 24, Humboldt County Library, 1313 3rd St., Eureka
• Thursday, Feb. 26, The Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., San Francisco
• Wednesday, March 3, Veterans Memorial Building, 483 Conger St., Garberville
• Thursday, March 4, Shelter Cove Community Center, Shelter Cove

All meetings are from 6 to 8 p.m.

Meeting participants will hear an overview of the draft plan and EIS, have the chance to ask questions of BLM staff, and then have time to comment. Forms for written comments will be available at the meeting.

"This is an excellent opportunity for everyone interested in the King Range to review the plan and determine whether it addresses their priorities," said Lynda Roush, manager of the BLM's Arcata Field Office. "We would like to hear opinions about the draft plan's approach to balancing land uses, recreation and environmental stewardship for these public lands."

Copies of the draft plan have been mailed to requesters. Printed and compact disk versions are available by contacting the BLM Arcata Field Office, (707) 825-2300. The documents also can be downloaded from the website at www.ca.blm.gov/arcata. Written comments must be submitted by April 16, 2004 to: BLM Arcata Field Office, 1695 Heindon Rd., Arcata, CA 95521. Comments can be sent by email to: caweb330@ca.blm.gov.

The BLM will use public comments in preparing the final plan and EIS for release later this year.

For additional information, contact Bob Wick at the Arcata Field Office (707) 825-2321.

-BLM-

Northern California Support Team - 2950 Riverside Drive - Susanville, CA 96130