FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2004

BLM EXTENDS PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON A GRAZING PERMIT RENEWAL ASSESSMENT IN CANYONS OF THE ANCIENTS NATIONAL MONUMENT 

 Environmental Assessment # CO-SJPLC-03-099

The Bureau of Land Management is extending the public comment period for an environmental assessment (EA) that evaluates the potential effects of renewing a permit for livestock grazing on lands covering 27 percent of the total land base of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. The allotments cover 43,912 acres within the Monument boundaries, including the Yellow Jacket, Cahone Mesa, Goodman Gulch, Sand Canyon East, Sand Canyon West, Flodine Park and Hamilton Mesa Allotments. The reference number for this EA is CO-SJPLC-03-099.

Monument policy provides for a 30-day public comment period on this type of document. However, due to unique circumstances a 30-day extension is being provided. Comments on EA CO-SJPLC-03-99 must be submitted in writing to Monument Planner, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, 27501 Hwy 184, Dolores, CO 81323 on or before April 15, 2004. This extension results in a total of 68 days for public comment on EA CO-SJPLC-03-99. No further extensions will be provided.

Comments already submitted on the EA CO-SJPLC-03-99 do not need to be re-submitted. Individuals who have already provided written comments on this EA can submit edits following the process above.

For more information, call the Anasazi Heritage Center at 970-882-5600.

Public comments received, including names and street addresses of respondents, may be published as part of the EA and other related documents. Individual respondents may request confidentiality. If you wish to withhold your name or street address from public review and disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your written comment. Such requests will be honored to the extent allowed by law. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be made available for public inspection in their entirety.