BLM to Host Public Meeting on Management Plan for Prehistoric Trackways National Monument

The Bureau of Land Management will host a public meeting in Las Cruces on January 26, 2010, to provide information about the planning process the agency is using to develop a management plan for the recently designated Prehistoric Trackways National Monument.

The BLM will present information about natural resources that occur in the area and solicit comments and resource information from the public; the information will guide the agency in developing a final management plan for the 5,280-acre monument northwest of Las Cruces. 

The open house will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Best Western Mission Inn,
El Pueblo Room, at 1765 S. Main Street in Las Cruces. 

The public can also provide written comments to the BLM before the scoping period ends on February 10, 2010. Comments on issues may be submitted in writing by the following methods:

       • Website:  http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/fo/Las_Cruces_District_Office.html
       • E-mail:  lcfo_rmp@nm.blm.gov
       • Fax:  (575) 525-4412
       • Mail:  BLM, Las Cruces District Office
       Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Planner
       1800 Marquess Street
       Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005

“We encourage all interested members of the public to participate in our planning process,” said Lori Allen, Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Planner. “The open house meeting will allow staff to explain our planning and study process, as well as present information regarding the resources and uses that occur within the Planning Area.” 

For further information about this effort contact and/or to have your name added to the BLM’s Prehistoric Trackways mailing list, contact Lori Allen at (575) 525-4454 or write the BLM at the address listed above; you can also e-mail Lori at Lori_Allen@blm.gov.

The purpose of the public scoping process is to determine relevant issues that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis, including alternatives, and guide the planning process.  Preliminary issues for the planning area that have been identified by the BLM, other agencies, and other stakeholders include Paleozoic resource protection, scientific research, off-highway vehicle use/recreation, plus interpretation and education.

The BLM will work collaboratively with interested parties to identify the management decisions that are best suited to local, regional, and national needs and concerns within the scope of the BLM’s legal authorities.  The agency will use an interdisciplinary approach to develop the plan in order to consider the variety of resource issues and concerns identified.  Specialists with expertise in the following disciplines will be involved in the planning process:  Planning and NEPA, Paleontology, Outdoor Recreation, Minerals and Geology, Archeology, Wildlife, and others as may be needed.