| Contacts: | Christopher B Joyner, BLM Public Affairs Specialist, (970) 210-2126 |
BLM extends public comment period on Bangs Canyon environmental assessment (11-21-12)
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management will accept public comments on an environmental assessment examining proposed trail construction in Bangs Canyon through Dec. 22.
Environmental assessments require an opportunity for public involvement and there was an original deadline for comments of 30 days. Members of the public requested an extension to confer with others interested in the environmental assessment. The original deadline of Nov. 22 is extended to Dec. 22.
Under the proposal, the BLM would design and construct eight trails in Bangs Canyon totaling more than 21 miles. The BLM, in cooperation with Responsible Recreation Foundation, plans to design and create trails available for motorcyclists, mountain bikers, ATV, Jeep and rock crawling, horseback riding and hiking. Proposed trail maps along with the environmental assessment are available on the BLM Grand Junction Field Office website at http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gjfo.html
Public comments regarding this proposal will be most helpful to the BLM if received by Dec. 22, 2012. Written comments can be mailed to the Grand Junction Field Office, 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506, Attention: Chris Pipkin. Comments can also be submitted via email to BLM_CO_GJ_Public_Comments@blm.gov.
Questions can be directed to Chris Pipkin at (970) 244-3024.
Before including address, phone number, email-address, or any other personal identifying information in your comments, be advised that your entire comment, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While individuals may request that the BLM withhold personal identifying information from public view, the BLM cannot guarantee it will be able to do so. If you wish us to withhold your personal information you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comment. We will make all submissions from organizations or businesses, available for public disclosure in their entirety.
Members of the media contact BLM Public Affairs Specialist, Chris Joyner at (970) 244-3111.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, recreational and other activities on BLM-managed land contributed more than $130 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 600,000 American jobs. The Bureau is also one of a handful of agencies that collects more revenue than it spends. In FY 2012, nearly $5.7 billion will be generated on lands managed by the BLM, which operates on a $1.1 billion budget. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
2815 H Road Grand Junction, CO 81506